clues

[/kluːz/]
nounpl: clues
pistas
1. A piece of information that helps solve a problem, mystery, or puzzle
The detective found several clues at the crime scene.
O detetive encontrou várias pistas na cena do crime.
2. A hint or indication that guides someone toward an answer or understanding
The teacher gave us clues to help us solve the riddle.
A professora nos deu pistas para ajudar a resolver a charada.
3. Information or evidence that suggests something is true
I haven't a clue what happened at the meeting.
Não tenho a menor ideia do que aconteceu na reunião.
In both American and Brazilian English/Portuguese, 'clues' are essential to mystery solving, detective work, and puzzle games. The phrase 'not have a clue' is idiomatic in English meaning complete ignorance. In Brazil, 'pistas' is universally used in crime shows, detective fiction, and everyday puzzle contexts.
NYC Slang
vibes, tea (as in 'spill the tea' - sharing clues/information)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hintscluesevidenceindicatorsleadssignstraces
Antonyms / Antônimos
red herringsdistractionsconfusion

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pistas
Most common and standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
pistas
Standard usage, may use 'indícios' in formal/legal contexts
São Paulo
pistas
Standard usage, 'evidências' common in formal/investigative contexts
Portugal
pistas
Same as Brazil; 'indícios' also used in formal Portuguese

Related Words

mysterypuzzleriddleinvestigateevidencehintsolve

Related Idioms & Phrases

not have a clue
give someone a clue
follow the clues
piece together clues
missing clue
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