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Glite Dictionary
clue stick

clue stick

9.9
A pretend object used to give someone a very clear hint about something they missed
  • noun
  • Slang
translation icon : pista contundente
  • She wished someone would just hit her with the clue stick about the surprise party.

Examples

  • The manager gave him a clue stick when he still didn't get the point.

  • Sometimes it feels like you need a clue stick to understand the new software.

  • I need a clue stick to understand this situation.

  • Can you pass me the clue stick?

  • She wished someone would just hit her with the clue stick about the surprise party.

  • Sometimes it feels like you need a clue stick to understand the new software.

  • The manager gave him a clue stick when he still didn't get the point.

Synonyms

hint
vsclue stick
229 1.5

A small indirect suggestion that helps you understand something

is a joking image for giving a blunt, obvious nudge to force understanding
pointer
vsclue stick
52 2.8

A short helpful tip that gives advice

is a playful metaphor for giving obvious advice when someone misses it
clue-by-four
vsclue stick
  • Slang
9.9

A strong direct hint that makes someone suddenly understand

is a playful imaginary image for giving obvious advice gently
scooby
vsclue stick
  • Slang
9.9

A small piece of information that helps you understand something

is a joking image used to describe giving a very obvious hint

How Obvious

clue stick
  • Slang
9.9
hint
229 1.5

Surface Forms

clue stick singular
clue sticks plural

Morphology

clue + stick

The components 'clue' and 'stick' give a basic compositional hint — a learner can infer it refers to an object associated with giving a clue — but the specific slang sense of an imagined implement that delivers a strong or obvious hint is metaphorical and culturally informal. Because the meaning requires recognizing a playful/instrumental metaphor and familiarity with slang usage rather than simple literal composition, it is not fully predictable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Clue stick imagines a big stick used to tap someone to give them a clue. So it means 'a strong hint' that makes someone notice or understand something obvious.