clue
gb/klˈu/ us/klˈu/
B1
English
~ 2000
támpont, jel, nyom, fogalma sincs, gőze sincs, sejtelme sincs
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
a clue to [something]
The detective found a clue at the crime scene.
A nyomozó támpontot talált a bűntény helyszínén.
Her accent was a clue to her origins.
Az akcentusa árulkodó jel volt a származására nézve.
They searched the room for any clues that might explain his disappearance.
This document could be the clue we need to solve the case.
Learner examples
I found a clue in the book.
Találtam egy támpontot a könyvben.
The police have a new clue.
A rendőrségnek új nyoma van.
He gave me a clue about the answer.
We need more clues to solve this puzzle.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'clue' with 'cue', which refers to a signal to act, especially in performance contexts.
Meaning
Information to help find an answer
Collocations
give a clue
|find a clue
|search for clues
|clue to the mystery
|important clue
Synonyms
hint (Slightly less direct or obvious than a clue.)
|
tip (Often used for practical advice rather than solving mysteries.)
Antonyms
misdirection (Information intended to lead someone away from the truth.)
Themes
daily life
|crime
|puzzles
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Information that helps you find the answer to a question or problem.
A fact or piece of evidence that helps someone discover the answer to a question, problem, or mystery.
NOUN
B1
INFORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
have (no) clue [about something]
I have no clue where she went.
Fogalmam sincs, hová ment.
He didn’t have a clue how to fix the problem.
Fogalma sem volt, hogyan oldja meg a problémát.
Without a clue what to do next, they sat in silence.
Learner examples
I have no clue what this word means.
Fogalmam sincs, mit jelent ez a szó.
She has no clue where he is.
Fogalma sincs, hol van a férfi.
We don’t have a clue about the game.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'no clue' in formal writing where 'no idea' or 'uncertain' would be more appropriate.
Meaning
Understanding of a situation or fact
Collocations
have no clue
|not have a clue
|without a clue
Synonyms
idea (A general term for knowledge; less colloquial than 'clue' in this sense.)
|
notion (Slightly more formal and less common in speech.)
Antonyms
certainty (Complete and confident knowledge about something.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Knowing or understanding something; often used to say you do not know.
An understanding, idea, or knowledge about something, often used in negative statements to mean complete lack of understanding.
Grammar
Dictionary form
clue
IPA
GB/klˈu/
US/klˈu/
Syllables & stress
clue (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (clue)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: clue
- Plural: clues
Word family
Forms
clues
noun
Negative and opposite forms
clueless
adjective
Advanced or less common
cluelessness
noun
cluelessly
adverb
Expressions
clue in (someone)
1/klˈu ˈɪn sˈʌmwˌʌn/
phrasal verb
informal
Inform someone about details
To tell someone important information they need to know.
Examples
- Make sure to clue me in before the meeting starts.
- He clued her in on the latest office gossip.
give someone a clue
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ə klˈu/
fixed phrase
Provide helpful information to someone
To tell someone something that helps them find an answer or understand something.
Examples
- Can you give me a clue about the answer?
- The witness gave the police a clue that led to an arrest.
not have a clue
1/nˈɑt hˈæv ə klˈu/
idiom
informal
To not understand at all
To not know or understand anything about something.
Examples
- I don’t have a clue how to fix this computer.
- She doesn’t have a clue what they’re talking about.