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!
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!
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!
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!
clue someone in (on something)
to inform someone of something. Please clue me in on what's been going on. Clue in those guys before it's too late.
have a clue (about something)
Fig. to know anything about something; to have even a hint about someone or something. (Usually negative.) I don't have a clue about where to start looking for Jim. Why do you think I have a clue about Tom's disappearance?
not a glimmer (of an idea)
and not a clueFig. no idea. A: Where's the subway? B: Sorry. Not a glimmer of an idea. How long till we're there? Not a clue.
clue in
Also,
clue up. Give someone guiding information, as in
It's time someone clued us in on what's happening, or
I hope they clue us up soon. This expression, which uses the verb
clue in the sense of "inform," is sometimes put simply as
clue (as in
I'll clue you-this isn't going to work). [
Colloquial; mid-1900s] Also see
not have a clue.
not have a clue
Have no idea or inkling about something, as in Jane doesn't have a clue as to why John won't call her, or Do you know what's wrong with the boiler?-No, I haven't a clue. This usage was first recorded in 1928.