Clue (information)

A clue or a hint is a piece of information bringing someone closer to a conclusion. It is revealed either because it is discovered by someone who needs it or because it is shared (given) by someone else.

In some games, if a player is stuck on a puzzle, they can ask for clues to help them progress in the game.

In some games, clues are an integral ludeme of the game mechanics, whereas in others they are considered cheats.

Clues can either be given straight, be cryptic, be riddles, or contain contradictions.

The word originally was an alternate of spelling of clew, which was defined as "a ball of thread". The word evolved to have its current meaning in part because of the common motif in mythology and folklore of using a ball of thread to aid in escaping a maze.