clue, clew

clue, clew
These words derive their meaning from the use of a ball of thread that enabled a mythical character to find his way out of a puzzling place (a labyrinth). A clew or clue is anything that helps to guide or direct in the solution of a mystery or problem. Both spellings are acceptable, although clue is more generally used. In fact,"Clue me in" is a tiresome, overused, and weary phrase.

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

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  • clew — or clue [klo͞o] n. [ME cleue < OE cliwen, akin to Du klüwen & dissimilated Ger knäuel < IE base * gel : see CLAW] 1. a ball of thread or yarn: in Greek legend, a thread is used by Theseus as a guide out of the labyrinth 2. archaic sp. of… …   English World dictionary

  • clew — See clue, clew …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • clue — See clue, clew …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • Clue — Clew Clew (kl[=u]), Clue Clue, n. [OE. clewe, clowe, clue, AS. cleowen, cliwen, clywe ball of thread; akin to D. kluwen, OHG. chliwa, chliuwa, G. dim. kleuel, kn[ a]uel, and perch. to L. gluma hull, husk, Skr. glaus sort of ball or tumor. Perch.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Clew — (kl[=u]), Clue Clue, n. [OE. clewe, clowe, clue, AS. cleowen, cliwen, clywe ball of thread; akin to D. kluwen, OHG. chliwa, chliuwa, G. dim. kleuel, kn[ a]uel, and perch. to L. gluma hull, husk, Skr. glaus sort of ball or tumor. Perch. akin to E …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Clew garnet — Clew Clew (kl[=u]), Clue Clue, n. [OE. clewe, clowe, clue, AS. cleowen, cliwen, clywe ball of thread; akin to D. kluwen, OHG. chliwa, chliuwa, G. dim. kleuel, kn[ a]uel, and perch. to L. gluma hull, husk, Skr. glaus sort of ball or tumor. Perch.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Clew line — Clew Clew (kl[=u]), Clue Clue, n. [OE. clewe, clowe, clue, AS. cleowen, cliwen, clywe ball of thread; akin to D. kluwen, OHG. chliwa, chliuwa, G. dim. kleuel, kn[ a]uel, and perch. to L. gluma hull, husk, Skr. glaus sort of ball or tumor. Perch.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Clew-line block — Clew Clew (kl[=u]), Clue Clue, n. [OE. clewe, clowe, clue, AS. cleowen, cliwen, clywe ball of thread; akin to D. kluwen, OHG. chliwa, chliuwa, G. dim. kleuel, kn[ a]uel, and perch. to L. gluma hull, husk, Skr. glaus sort of ball or tumor. Perch.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Clue — (kl[=u]), n. [See {Clew}, n.] A ball of thread; a thread or other means of guidance. Same as {Clew}. [1913 Webster] You have wound a goodly clue. Shak. [1913 Webster] This clue once found unravels all the rest. Pope. [1913 Webster] Serve as clues …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • clue — ► NOUN ▪ a fact or piece of evidence that helps to clarify a mystery or solve a problem. ► VERB (clues, clued, clueing) (clue in) informal ▪ inform. ● not have a clue Cf. ↑not have a clue …   English terms dictionary

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