clue
Breadcrumb for investigators
A clue is a piece of evidence or information that helps solve a mystery, puzzle, or problem: The detective found a clue at the crime scene.
In crosswords and games, clues are hints that point toward answers.
To clue someone in is to inform them: Can you clue me in on what happened?
Someone clueless lacks awareness or understanding.
Indirect suggestion
- tipEnd or gratuity
- pointerReference to memory location
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
indication · inkling · intimation · sign · signal · nudge · whisper · trace
Facts supporting truth
- proofDemonstration of truth
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
- fingerprintFriction ridge impression
- DNAHereditary code molecule
witness · testimony · alibi · corroborate · incriminate · exonerate · ballistics · surveillance
Crime fiction identifying perpetrator
- detectiveProfessional crime investigator
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- investigationFormal examination of facts
- sleuthPrivate investigator
noir · culprit · perpetrator · gumshoe · misdirection · deduction · magnifying glass · suspect
Clue-based letter grid
- crypticObscure in meaning
- acrosticVertically spelled hidden message
- wordsearchHidden vocabulary grid puzzle
- brainteaserPuzzle demanding clever thought
riddle · trivia · scavenger hunt · escape room · treasure hunt · cipher · code · cryptogram
Sudden important advance
- realizationGrasping what's true
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- uncoveringRevealing something hidden
- findingConclusion from investigation
unearthing · detection · key · insight · connection · missing piece · aha moment · answer
hint
Indirect suggestion
- tipEnd or gratuity
- pointerReference to memory location
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
lead · indication · inkling · intimation · sign · signal · nudge · whisper · trace · glimpse
evidence
Facts supporting truth
- proofDemonstration of truth
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
- fingerprintFriction ridge impression
DNA · witness · testimony · alibi · corroborate · incriminate · exonerate · ballistics · surveillance · confession
whodunit
Crime fiction identifying perpetrator
- detectiveProfessional crime investigator
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- investigationFormal examination of facts
sleuth · noir · culprit · perpetrator · gumshoe · misdirection · deduction · magnifying glass · suspect · murder mystery
crossword
Clue-based letter grid
- crypticObscure in meaning
- acrosticVertically spelled hidden message
- wordsearchHidden vocabulary grid puzzle
brainteaser · riddle · trivia · scavenger hunt · escape room · treasure hunt · cipher · code · cryptogram · anagram
breakthrough
Sudden important advance
- realizationGrasping what's true
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- uncoveringRevealing something hidden
finding · unearthing · detection · key · insight · connection · missing piece · aha moment · answer · solution
oblivious
Lacking any awareness
- unawareLacking knowledge of something
- ignorantLacking knowledge or awareness
- bewilderedThoroughly puzzled and confused
baffled · stumped · lost · confused · no idea · in the dark · mystified
- word gamescrossword, Scrabble, crossword puzzle, anagram, word game
- assistancehelp, help desk, aid, helpdesk, assistance
- crime investigationdetective, whodunit, investigation, detectives, investigator
- Jeopardy!Alex Trebek, Ken Jennings, Daily Double, Final Jeopardy, Double Jeopardy
- mysterydetective, suspect, sleuth, whodunit, murder mystery
- mystery fictionwhodunit, whodunnit, sleuth, murder mystery, detective novel
clueanswer
Solution to query
solution · resolution · explanation · revelation · conclusion
cluered herring
Intentional misleading distraction
misdirection · misinformation · disinformation · false lead · wild goose chase
- no clueState of ignorance
- get a clueBecome aware, finally
- have a clueGrasp the situation
- clued inMade aware of something
- has a cluePossesses helpful information
- clue inProvide inside information
include, exclude, exclusive, including, included, clueless, clues, inclusive, inclusion