clue
word
/ˈkɫu/
kloo
/klˈuː/
kloo
Definition
A clue is a piece of information that helps you find an answer, solve a mystery, or understand something better. It can be a physical sign, a fact, or a small hint.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in mysteries, police stories, and everyday speech. Common patterns: 'a clue about,' 'a clue to,' 'leave a clue,' 'follow a clue.' In informal English, 'I don't have a clue' means 'I have no idea' and is stronger than simply 'I don't know.'
Spanish: pista - indicioPortuguese (BR): pista - indícioPortuguese (PT): pista - indícioChinese (Simplified): 线索 - 提示Chinese (Traditional): 線索 - 提示Hindi: सुराग - संकेतArabic: دليل - خيطBengali: সূত্র - ইঙ্গিতRussian: улика - подсказкаJapanese: 手がかり - ヒントVietnamese: manh mối - gợi ýKorean: 단서 - 실마리Turkish: ipucuUrdu: سراغ - اشارہIndonesian: petunjuk - petanda
Example Sentences
The police found a clue near the door.
basic
This note may be a clue to the answer.
basic
I found a clue in the last paragraph.
basic
We finally got a clue about why the server keeps crashing.
natural
He didn't leave us much of a clue, so we had to guess.
natural
I don't have a clue what she's talking about.
natural