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to clue

to clue

25 2.6
To give someone a small hint or information about something
  • verb
  • /kluː/
translation icon : poner al tanto (de)
  • Could you please clue me in on what I missed during the meeting?

So I can't clue you or clue you in some way.

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Examples

  • Well, let me clue you in on one fact you don't know.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • OK, Phil, are you gonna clue me in on the joke now?

  • So kind of you to clue me in.

  • Somebody want to clue me in?

  • Hey, buddy, let me clue you in.

  • You wanna clue me in?

  • I'm sorry, can someone clue me in here?

  • We just thought we'd clue you in on the game plan for tonight.

  • If these officials are clued into the plan, they may sympathize and support your action.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Thankfully, one of my mentors clued me into this, and I started working on more strategic projects.

    Blog text (12)

Synonyms

to tip
vsto clue
129 5.3

To give someone secret information to help or warn them

is more general and can be a simple helpful hint rather than secret
to drop a hint
vsto clue
4 3.4

To suggest something in a quiet, indirect way

is more direct and aims to help understanding or solving rather than guide
to clue in
vsto clue
1 3.9

To tell someone about something they did not know

is less direct and may give a hint instead of full details
to hit with the clue stick
vsto clue
  • Informal
9.9

To explain something clearly so someone finally understands

is usually neutral and may offer gentle help or early hints

Antonyms

266 1.9

Make someone unable to think clearly or make something hard to understand

Idioms

To not know anything about a subject or situation

9.9

To suddenly understand something you should have noticed earlier

To explain something clearly so someone finally understands

Phrasal Verbs

to have a clue
  • Informal
111 4.1

To know even a little about something

to get a clue
  • Informal
25 7.8

Start to understand what is happening or what to do

1 3.9

To tell someone about something they did not know

Compounds

20 2.3

An early sign that helps you notice or find something

clue stick
  • Slang
9.9

A pretend object used to give someone a very clear hint about something they missed

clue-by-four
  • Slang
9.9

A strong direct hint that makes someone suddenly understand

A clue that is hard to see and needs a careful look

How Helpful

to explain
1.0
to clue
25 2.6
to inform
1.0
hint
229 1.5
to suggest
1.6

Surface Forms

clue infinitive
clued past
clued past participle
cluing present participle
clues third person singular

Etymology

Clue as a verb comes from the noun and keeps the same image of a guiding thread or small 'hint' that helps someone find an answer. So to clue someone is to 'guide' them toward understanding.