# clue

/ˈkɫu/ (US) · /klˈuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clue
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. evidence for a mystery

noun · CEFR B1

a sign or some information that helps you find the answer to a crime or a mystery.

For teachers: a piece of evidence or a fact that serves as a guide in the investigation of a mystery or crime.

- The police found a small clue near the window that helped them catch the thief.
- Forensic investigators meticulously examined the crime scene, hoping to discover a single clue that might link the suspect to the robbery.

### 2. general understanding

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

knowledge or understanding of a situation.

For teachers: insight or understanding regarding a specific subject or situation; frequently used in the negative to indicate total ignorance.

- I don't have a clue how to fix this computer, so I'll call a professional.
- Despite having sat through the entire lecture, most of the students admitted they didn't have a clue about the complex theories discussed.

### 3. puzzle hint

noun · CEFR B1

a piece of information that helps you find the answer in a game or a crossword.

For teachers: a word, phrase, or sentence that points to the solution of a puzzle or crossword.

- The crossword clue for five across was very difficult to solve.
- The cryptic crossword was particularly challenging because every clue contained a hidden pun or a double meaning.

### 4. to inform someone

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to give someone information that they do not have yet.

For teachers: to provide someone with necessary information or context; often used with the particles 'in' or 'up'.

- Can you clue me in on what happened at the meeting this morning?
- The manager promised to clue the rest of the team in once the final details of the merger were confirmed.

## Examples

- The police found a small clue near the window.
- The detective carefully examined the muddy footprints, hoping they would provide a clue to the thief's identity.
- While the initial data seemed random, a subtle pattern in the sales figures provided the first clue that the marketing strategy was actually working.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.