clue

A piece of information that helps you find an answer or understand something.

• Can you give me a clue?
• We solved the puzzle using the last clue.
• His accent offered a clue to where he came from.

How to use it: a clue to something (The title gives a clue to the story’s ending.); a clue about something (Her expression gave us a clue about her feelings.)

Similar words: hint, indication

Common phrases: clue to something, give a clue, crossword clue

Knowledge or understanding of something, usually used when saying you have none.

• I have no clue.
• He hasn’t a clue how to cook rice.
• Do you have any clue why the lights went out?

How to use it: have no clue about something (I have no clue about car repairs.); have no clue how/why/where… (She has no clue where he went.)

Similar words: idea, understanding

Common phrases: have no clue, not a clue, clue about something, have a clue

Something found that helps show what happened or who committed a crime.

• The police found a clue near the door.
• Detectives searched the room for clues.
• A muddy footprint provided a vital clue to the thief’s identity.

Similar words: evidence, lead, indication

Common phrases: look for clues, clue at something, vital clue

To give someone information they need or did not know.

• Please clue me in.
• He clued us in on the latest changes.
• Nobody had clued her up about the meeting.

How to use it: clue someone in on something (Can you clue me in on the new plans?); clue someone up about something (She clued me up about the local customs.)

Similar words: inform, fill in, brief

Common phrases: clue someone in, clue someone up