clue /ˈklu/
  線索,暗示,情節(vt.)暗示,提供線索
  Clew Clue, n.
  1. A ball of thread, yarn, or cord; also, The thread itself.
     Untwisting his deceitful clew.   --Spenser.
  2. That which guides or directs one in anything of a doubtful or intricate nature; that which gives a hint in the solution of a mystery.
     The clew, without which it was perilous to enter the vast and intricate maze of countinental politics, was in his hands.   --Macaulay.
  3. Naut. (a.) A lower corner of a square sail, or the after corner of a fore-and-aft sail. (b.) A loop and thimbles at the corner of a sail. (c.) A combination of lines or nettles by which a hammock is suspended.
  Clew garnet Naut., one of the ropes by which the clews of the courses of square-rigged vessels are drawn up to the lower yards.
  Clew line Naut., a rope by which a clew of one of the smaller square sails, as topsail, topgallant sail, or royal, is run up to its yard.
  Clew-line block Naut., The block through which a clew line reeves. See Illust. of Block.
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  Clue n.  A ball of thread; a thread or other means of guidance. Same as Clew.
     You have wound a goodly clue.   --Shak.
     This clue once found unravels all the rest.   --Pope.
     Serve as clues to guide us into further knowledge.   --Locke.
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  clue
       n 1: a slight indication [syn: hint]
       2: evidence that helps to solve a problem [syn: clew, cue]
       v : roll into a ball [syn: clew]