clue

柯林斯词典

1. N-COUNT A clue to a problem or mystery is something that helps you to find the answer to it. (解决问题或疑团时的) 线索
Geneticists in Canada have discovered a clue to the puzzle of why our cells get old and die. 加拿大的遗传学家已经发现了解开我们细胞衰老死亡之迷的线索。
2. N-COUNT A clue is an object or piece of information that helps someone solve a crime. (破案中的) 线索
The vital clue to the killer's identity was his nickname, Peanuts. 关于杀手身份的重大线索是他的绰号——花生。
3. N-COUNT A clue in a crossword or game is information which is given to help you to find the answer to a question. (纵横字谜或游戏中的) 提示
Give me a clue. What's it begin with?
给我点提示。是什么开头？
4. PHRASE If you haven't a clue about something, you do not know anything about it or you have no idea what to do about it. 毫无头绪[非正式]
I haven't a clue what I'll give Carl for his birthday next year. 对于明年该送什么生日礼物给卡尔我毫无头绪。

The police found a vital clue to the girl's disappearance in a wooded area near her home .
Forensic scientists are going over the victim's flat in a search for clues about the murderer .
The police are collecting clues in order to piece together the details of the day she died .
He pored over the letter searching for clues about the writer .
The police tried to reconstruct the crime using the statements of witnesses and clues that they had found .