On this program we talk about words and expressions that we use in everyday conversation . Today we are going to talk about mysteries . And , more importantly , how to solve them . So , what are the keys to solving a mystery ? If you said clues , you are right . Clues are pieces of information that help you find an answer . The word "clue " has an origin story that may surprise both native English speakers and those learning English . The origin of the word combines a Greek myth , a labyrinth , danger and knitting . That's right , knitting ! But first , let's start with the myth . In this story , a monster called the Minotaur lived in a labyrinth on the island of Crete . From time to time , people were sent inside the labyrinth as sacrifices . Except for one man . As the story goes , Theseus volunteered to go into the Minotaur's labyrinth . But before going in , Theseus unraveled a ball of yarn . Then he followed the yarn back to the opening of the labyrinth and came out alive . But what does it have to do with the word ‘clue ’?" Well , in the 1590s , a ball of yarn was called a clew , spelled c-l-e-w . Because of this Greek myth about Theseus -- and possibly other stories , too -- the meaning of "clew " began to change . By the 1620s , the word meant something that will lead to a solution . After more time passed , the spelling changed to c-l-u-e , the way we spell it today . "Clue " continued to become even more widely used . By the late 1940s , someone who didn't have a clue meant someone who didn't understand something . Today , we commonly use this "clue " in many expressions . You can use it to talk about someone who doesn't know a specific thing or about someone who is generally ignorant . For example , I am organizing a surprise birthday party for my friend . She doesn't have a clue what I am planning ! When the guests jump out of their hiding places and yell “Surprise !” she will be shocked . That is a friendly use of the expression . But it can also be used in a more critical way . For example , I could say , "I have a friend who was born into a very rich family . I feel uncomfortable when she complains about people who struggle to pay their bills on time . She doesn't have a clue how hard it can be to make a living !" Instead of "didn't have a clue " you could also say “she is clueless ” for both of these examples . Here's another example of “clueless ” meaning a general state of ignorance . "I can't believe the boss made his son our manager . That kid is so clueless . He has no idea how this company works . That's an insult . This like telling them to wake up or to get with it ! You can also gently clue them in . This phrase means to let someone know the way something happens . We often use it when something is difficult to understand or see on the surface . I mean , you could say that . But it sounds much too dramatic . But let's say a friend of yours moves into the apartment building where you live . Many strange and difficult people also live in that building . Never talk directly to the guy who walks his turtle . If you need to say something to him , just say it to the turtle . And don't hang your laundry on your balcony . You will hear him crying for hours afterward ." Now , I hope you feel a bit clued in on the different ways to use the word "clue ." Do you have a similar word story for "clue " in your language ?