haven't

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!"

See also: clue

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

haven't

see under not have.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.