clue

Everyday

1. A clue is a piece of information that helps you solve a mystery, puzzle or problem. tree →
2. A clue is a hint given in a puzzle or crossword. tree →
3. «Not have a clue» means not to know anything about something. tree →
4. An old word for a ball of thread or string, which can be thrown or unwound to find your way. tree →

In the lessons

In reading lessons pupils find clues in the text to work out characters' feelings and the meaning of new words (context clues). In maths word problems key words are clues to the operation. In stories detectives look for clues, and in games children go on treasure hunts following clues. Phrases: give a clue, look for clues, a clue to, not have a clue, clueless.

Examples

• The detective found a clue under the window. tree →
• Here's a clue: it is yellow and you can eat it. tree →
• Use clues in the picture to guess the word. tree →
• I haven't got a clue where my shoe is. tree →
• We followed the clues on the treasure hunt. tree →
• Muddy footprints were the main clue. tree →
• Read the crossword clue again. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Spelling: clue (not «clew»). «I don't have a clue» is informal for «I don't know at all». In maths problems words like «altogether» and «in total» are clues to add, «left» to subtract — but always think, because clue words can trick you.