to get a clue

Examples

• All

• We haven't got a clue about what's happened to him.

  Fiction book (1990)

• We just haven't got a clue what to do.

  David Bowie & The Story of Ziggy Stardust (2012)

• - Like, some people just got to get a clue.

  The Last Christmas Party (2020)

• I hope a lot of the "more is better" movement gets a clue.

  Blog text (2)

• I suggest you first get a clue and then come back to contribute to the debate.

  Blog text (11)

• Truth is, I haven't got a clue.

  Dolittle (2020)

• That woman hasn't got a clue who the star is around here.

  I Saw the Light (2016)

• If you find that nauseating, it is only because you have not got a clue about the subject matter.

  Blog text (19)

• Somehow, the liberals have to get a clue or else we're destroyed.

  Blog text (15)

• Good Lord, people, when are you going to get a clue that the White House and the people in Washington, DC are not here to bless you?

  The Ramsey Show

Synonyms

G

to get

vsto get a clue

∞ 1.4

To understand what someone says or an idea

focuses specifically on beginning to notice or realise situations

S

to see

vsto get a clue

∞ 1.0

To understand what something means

is the specific start of noticing what needs to be done

U

to understand

vsto get a clue

∞ 1.0

To know the meaning of something

is about beginning to notice rather than full comprehension

R

to realize

vsto get a clue

• US

∞ 1.1

To suddenly understand something you did not know before

is about gradual starting awareness rather than the suddenness of insight

F

to find out

vsto get a clue

∞ 2.1

To learn something you did not know, often by searching or asking

is about starting to notice what is happening rather than researching facts

F

to figure out

vsto get a clue

• Informal

∞ 2.2

To think about something and find an answer or understand it

is about starting to realise facts rather than solving them

L

to learn

vsto get a clue

∞ 1.0

Find out about something often by chance

is usually about intentional noticing of what must be done

D

to discover

vsto get a clue

∞ 1.0

To find out about something for the first time, often by chance

is broader, covering general awareness rather than first discovery

G

to get it

vsto get a clue

• Informal

877 1.1

To understand something after someone explains it

emphasizes first awareness rather than resolving earlier confusion

R

to recognize

vsto get a clue

• US

705 1.4

To be fully aware that something is true or happening

describes initial awareness rather than full or complete realization

P

to pick up on

vsto get a clue

142 3.9

To notice something that is not obvious

is broader, meaning becoming aware rather than just noticing clues

C

to comprehend

vsto get a clue

137 2.7

To understand the meaning of something

is about the first stage of becoming aware, not full grasp

C

to catch on

vsto get a clue

37 3.9

To begin to understand something after a while

is about initial awareness without focusing on difficulty or delay

C

to come to grips

vsto get a clue

30 5.5

Start to accept and deal with a difficult situation

focuses on starting awareness rather than active problem handling

W

to wise up

vsto get a clue

• Informal

16 7.1

To learn the true facts after not knowing them

is neutral about being naive and covers simple initial awareness

A

to apprehend

vsto get a clue

• Formal

9 4.3

To understand the meaning of something

is the initial coming-to-awareness rather than clear full grasp

I

to intuit

vsto get a clue

8 7.5

To know something quickly without thinking about it

is about beginning to understand through observation rather than instinct

G

to get wise

vsto get a clue

7 7.0

To understand someone tricked you and become more careful

is more general, indicating any start of awareness without deception

L

to latch on

vsto get a clue

• Informal

4 4.9

To begin to understand an idea after not getting it at first

describes starting to notice or realize without stressing adoption

T

to tumble

vsto get a clue

• UK

4 7.4

To finally understand something after some confusion

is the general start of awareness, not only post-confusion insight

G

to get the drift

vsto get a clue

• Informal

4 4.5

To understand the main idea without knowing every detail

is about noticing what is happening rather than grasping the main point

G

to get to grips

vsto get a clue

• UK

2 5.7

To begin to deal with or understand a difficult problem

stresses initial awareness rather than the effort of handling

G

to get onto

vsto get a clue

• Informal

1 5.1

Start to understand something after finding it confusing

is broader, applying to any initial awareness, not just difficulty

K

to know which end is up

vsto get a clue

• Informal

1 7.8

To understand how things work in a place or job

is the early realization of what is happening, not broad competence

U

to understand the assignment

vsto get a clue

• Informal

1 3.9

To know exactly what you must do for a task

is initial awareness of what needs doing, not full task mastery

C

to cotton on

vsto get a clue

• UK

1 7.5

Start to understand something after not understanding it

is about starting awareness in general situations rather than time delay

C

to cop on

vsto get a clue

• UK

9.9

Begin to understand something you missed before

is the neutral start of awareness without the regional tone

H

to hit by a clue stick

vsto get a clue

• Informal

9.9

To suddenly understand something you should have noticed earlier

is the steady start of awareness, not necessarily a sudden shock

Antonyms

I

to ignore

∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

O

to overlook

243 2.9

To not notice someone or something you should see

How Aware

to understand

∞ 1.0

to figure out

• Informal

∞ 2.2

to realize

• US

∞ 1.1

to get a clue

• Informal

25 7.8

to notice

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology