Here's another example of “clueless” meaning a general state of ignorance. Instead of "didn't have a clue" you could also say “ she is clueless” for both of these examples. She doesn't have a clue how hard it can be to make a living!" I feel uncomfortable when she complains about people who struggle to pay their bills on time. But it can also be used in a more critical way.įor example, I could say, "I have a friend who was born into a very rich family. That is a friendly use of the expression. 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. You can use it to talk about someone who doesn't know a specific thing or about someone who is generally ignorant.įor example, I am organizing a surprise birthday party for my friend. Today, we commonly use this "clue" in many expressions. "Clue" continued to become even more widely used.īy the late 1940s, someone who didn't have a clue meant someone who didn't understand something. After more time passed, the spelling changed to c-l-u-e, the way we spell it today. By the 1620s, the word meant something that will lead to a solution. Because of this Greek myth about Theseus - and possibly other stories, too - the meaning of "clew" began to change. Well, in the 1590s, a ball of yarn was called a clew, spelled c-l-e-w. But what does it have to do with the word ‘clue’?" You may be saying to yourself, "That is a great story. Then he followed the yarn back to the opening of the labyrinth and came out alive. But before going in, Theseus unraveled a ball of yarn. They could not find their way out, and the Minotaur killed and ate them.Īs the story goes, Theseus volunteered to go into the Minotaur's labyrinth. From time to time, people were sent inside the labyrinth as sacrifices. In this story, a monster called the Minotaur lived in a labyrinth on the island of Crete. The origin of the word combines a Greek myth, a labyrinth, danger and knitting.īut first, let’s start with the myth. The word "clue" has an origin story that may surprise both native English speakers and those learning English. Clues are pieces of information that help you find an answer. So, what are the keys to solving a mystery? If you said clues, you are right. And, more importantly, how to solve them. Today we are going to talk about mysteries. On this program we talk about words and expressions that we use in everyday conversation. Now, Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |