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first clue

first clue

20 2.3
An early sign that helps you notice or find something
  • noun
translation icon : primera pista
  • Most said illness characteristics were often their first clue in an investigation.

But that gives us our first clue as to how to prevent fatbergs.

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Examples

  • This finding was one of the first clues to the existence of mitochondria.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Well, the first clue came quite by accident.

  • That should have been my first clue.

  • You know, that should have been my first clue.

  • What was your first clue?

  • I wonder if this is our first clue.

  • The first clue was the flowers.

  • But that gives us our first clue as to how to prevent fatbergs.

  • The sound of shouting children running toward us was my first clue that something was amiss on what had promised to be a routine excavation day in early June 2001.

    Academic text (2003)
  • In the mystery game, finding the first clue was essential for solving the case.

Synonyms

clue
vsfirst clue
966 1.0

A piece of information that helps you solve a problem or mystery

is the initial piece that appears first and helps start discovery
indication
vsfirst clue
382 3.9

A sign that shows something is true or likely

is the first concrete sign specifically helping someone discover an answer
hint
vsfirst clue
229 1.5

A small indirect suggestion that helps you understand something

is a direct early sign that helps someone realize or discover something
scooby
vsfirst clue
  • Slang
9.9

A small piece of information that helps you understand something

is the neutral, noninformal term used in wider contexts

How Informative

direct evidence
  • Specialized
18 3.2
first clue
20 2.3
hint
229 1.5

Surface Forms

first clue singular
first clues plural

Morphology

first + clue

The meaning 'the initial hint or sign' is directly compositional from 'first' (initial/preceding) + 'clue' (a hint or piece of evidence). This is a transparent, cross-linguistically common modifier + noun combination that a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand.

Etymology

First clue comes from detective work, where the first small piece of evidence, the clue, can lead a detective to the answer. So the phrase means the first hint that helps you 'discover' or 'realize' something.