Not a clue Meaning in English
expression
ˈnɑt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈkɫu
NAHT-uh-KLOO
nˈɒt/ /æɪ/ /klˈuː
NOT-uh-KLOO
Definition
An informal way to say you do not know or do not have any information about something.
Usage & Nuances
Strictly informal, often used in spoken English. Common with 'have' or 'haven't': 'I have not a clue', 'I haven't got a clue.' It shows complete lack of knowledge; similar phrases include 'no idea' and 'not a hint.' Usually not used in formal writing.
Spanish: ni idea - ni una pistaPortuguese (BR): nem faço ideia - não tenho a menor ideia - nenhuma pistaPortuguese (PT): não faço ideia - não tenho a mínima ideia - nenhuma pistaChinese (Simplified): 一点头绪都没有Chinese (Traditional): 一點頭緒都沒有Hindi: ज़रा भी अंदाज़ा नहीं - कोई सुराग़ नहींArabic: لا فكرة لديّ - ليس عندي أدنى فكرةBengali: একদম ধারণা নেই - বিন্দুমাত্র ধারণা নেইRussian: понятия не имею - вообще не знаюJapanese: 全く分からない - 全然知らないVietnamese: hoàn toàn không biết - không biết chút gìKorean: 전혀 몰라 - 전혀 모르겠어Turkish: hiçbir fikrim yok - hiçbir bilgim yokUrdu: بالکل نہیں پتہ - ذرا سا بھی اندازہ نہیںIndonesian: tidak tahu sama sekali - sama sekali tidak ada petunjuk
Example Sentences
I have not a clue how to fix this computer.
basic
She has not a clue where her keys are.
basic
We have not a clue what he wants to eat.
basic
Honestly, I’ve got not a clue about fashion trends.
natural
Ask Tom—he knows. I’ve got not a clue!
natural
When it comes to math, I have not a clue what’s going on.
natural