be clued in
To be familiar with or aware of the particulars of a situation, especially through inference, previous knowledge, or by being privy to inside information. Usually followed by "on," "to," or "about." By the end of the week, everyone was clued in on the reason for the professor's sudden absence from class. You need to be clued in to the way people behave in social situations! It'll take time, but you new hires will eventually be clued in to the way the company operates.
clue (one) in
To give one new information or to correct misinformation. Why is everyone mad at Bruce this morning? Clue me in. Someone needs to clue her in before she keeps spreading these lies. A: "Do you know what's going on with the printer?" B: "Yeah, come over to my desk, and I'll clue you in."
clue stick
A metaphorical stick one uses to "beat" correct information into an ignorant, incompetent, or slow-learning person (i.e., to help them "get a clue"). I hate reading comments on online news articles—there are so many stupid people out there that I just want to get a big clue stick and knock some sense into them with it! I mean, Elvis has only been dead for decades, so if this guy doesn't know that by now, would a clue stick even help? A: "Don't read that article if you find scientific misinformation infuriating." B: "Ugh, a beating by clue stick would come in handy for these so-called 'reporters' who publish articles without even the most basic grasp of germ theory."
clue-by-four
A metaphorical stick one uses to "beat" correct information into an ignorant, incompetent, or slow-learning person (i.e., to help them "get a clue"). A pun on the term "two-by-four," a piece of timber that measures 2 by 4 inches (5 by 10 cm) in height and width. I hate reading comments on online news articles—there are so many stupid people out there that I just want to get a big clue-by-four and knock some sense into them with it! I mean, Elvis has only been dead for decades, so if this guy doesn't know that by now, would a clue-by-four even help? A: "Don't read that article if you find scientific misinformation infuriating." B: "Ugh, a beating by clue-by-four would come in handy for these so-called 'reporters' who publish articles without even the most basic grasp of germ theory."
get a clue
To understand or see the reality of a situation. Typically said as an imperative to indicate one's annoyance or frustration. Oh, get a clue—he's not into you! If he were, he would have asked you out by now. You guys need to get a clue—this place is going down the tubes. Would you get a clue? Of course she's mad at you, she just won't say it!
get clued in (to something)
To become familiar with or aware of the particulars of a situation, especially through inference, previous knowledge, or by being privy to inside information. I spent the first day on the job getting clued in to the way the company operates. If you don't know who really runs the show around here, you need to get clued in and fast! No, you need to get clued into that specific system first. We'll go over that tomorrow.
haven't a clue
1. To not have even a remote grasp or understanding (of something); to be hopelessly confused or ignorant (about something). You'd expect the average citizen to struggle to explain the workings of government, but now it seems like even most politicians haven't a clue! You haven't a clue how to talk to people, do you? When it comes to trigonometry, I just haven't a clue.
2. To be completely unaware (of something). A: "Do you think Pat suspects that we're having a surprise party for him? B: "No, he hasn't a clue!" A: "Were you aware that Sarah and Pauline were having money troubles?" B: "Oh my goodness, no—I hadn't a clue!" A: "No, I hadn't a clue anything was wrong!" B: "How oblivious are you? The tension was palpable!"
not a clue
Not even the slightest notion about something. Do I know where your red shoes are? Not a clue—go ask your sister. A: "Did you understand what the teacher was talking about?" B: "Nope, not a clue."
not have a clue
1. To not have even a remote grasp or understanding of something; to be hopelessly confused or ignorant about something. You'd expect the average citizen to struggle to explain the workings of government, but now it seems like even most politicians don't have a clue! You don't have a clue about how to talk to people, do you? When it comes to trigonometry, I just don't have a clue.
2. To be completely unaware of something. A: "Do you think Paul suspects that we're having a surprise party for him? B: "No, he doesn't have a clue!"
What was your first clue?
A rhetorical question used to point out the obviousness of some conclusion. A: "I think something is wrong with the engine." B: "Oh really, what was your first clue? The smoke pouring out of it?"
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.