clew

A noun referring to a ball of yarn, cord, or thread, or to evidence that helps solve a problem.

• 🇫🇷Nom désignant une pelote de fil, de corde ou de laine, ainsi qu'un indice ou une piste qui aide à résoudre un problème ou une énigme.

1. Ball of yarn or thread C2 formal

   A ball of yarn, cord, or thread, often used in sewing or weaving.

   • She wound the wool into a clew before starting her knitting.
   • The sailor used a clew of rope to secure the sail.
   • A clew of thread sat on the seamstress's table.

   🇫🇷Pelote de fil

2. Piece of evidence B2 formal

   A piece of evidence or information that helps solve a problem or mystery.

   • The detective found a clew that led to the suspect's arrest.
   • Each clew brought them closer to solving the puzzle.
   • The letter provided a crucial clew to the mystery.

   🇫🇷indice

   Synonymes: cluecueevidencehintindicationleadsigntip

• clews plural form
• clews' possessive plural form
• clew's possessive singular form

An archaic or obsolete verb meaning to form into a ball or coil, or to provide with a clue; also used in nautical contexts meaning to haul up the lower corners of a sail.

• 🇫🇷Verbe désuet signifiant rouler en pelote ou en bobine, ou fournir un indice ; également utilisé dans un contexte maritime pour désigner le fait de border les points de drisse d'une voile.

1. Roll into a ball C2 formal

   To wind or coil something, such as yarn or thread, into a ball.

   • She carefully clewed the yarn into a neat ball.
   • The sailor clewed the rope to keep it tidy.
   • He clewed the thread before starting his embroidery.

   🇫🇷Mettre en pelote

   Synonymes: ballcoilrollwind

   Antonymes: uncoilunravelunrollunwind

• clewed past participle
• clewed past simple
• clewing present participle
• clews third person singular