PhrasesHub

I haven't got a clue

    Definitions

      • lack of knowledge
        Expressing that one has no idea or understanding about a specific topic or situation

      • uncertainty
        Conveying a sense of being unsure or confused about something

    Examples of I haven't got a clue

    • The detective asked his assistant for a lead, but she replied, "I'm afraid I haven't got a clue as to where to start looking."

      This is a classic use of the idiom "I haven't got a clue". The detective's assistant is essentially saying that she has no information or idea about how to proceed with the investigation, leaving the detective to find another source for information.

    • When the teacher asked the student to explain the concept, he shrugged his shoulders and replied, "I haven't got a clue, miss."

      Again, the student is using the idiom to convey his lack of understanding about the subject matter. He is admitting that he does not know the answer.

    • "I haven't got a clue what to do next," said the manager, clearly feeling overwhelmed by the situation.

      In this instance, the manager is unsure about how to proceed with a particular task or project. He is admitting that he doesn't have a clear plan or direction.

    • The woman was asked to guide her friends to a nearby restaurant, but she replied, "I'm afraid I haven't got a clue where it is."

      Here, the woman is admitting that she is not familiar with the location of the restaurant and is unable to provide directions. She is essentially saying that she is not a helpful guide in this particular situation.

    • "What time the movie starts?" asked my friend, looking at me expectantly. "I haven't got a clue," I replied with a shrug.

      In this example, "I haven't got a clue" means that I don't know the answer to the question. It indicates a lack of information or knowledge.

    • "Who invented the telephone?" asked my history teacher. "I'm afraid I haven't got a clue," I admitted, feeling a little ashamed.

      Here, the expression is used to admit that you do not know something that is generally known. It can be used to show humility and honesty.

    • "Where did you put my keys?" asked my spouse, as I rummaged through a drawer. "I haven't got a clue," I said, shaking my head.

      In this situation, the idiom can indicate that you don't have any idea where something is located, despite trying to find it.

    • "What's the best way to get to the beach?" asked my friend, looking at a map. "I haven't got a clue," I admitted, feeling a bit guilty.

      Here, the expression is used when you aren't able to offer helpful advice or guidance. It implies that your knowledge in a particular area is limited.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "I haven't got a clue" is used to express a lack of knowledge or uncertainty about something. It is often used in casual conversation to indicate that the speaker has no idea or understanding about a specific topic or situation. It can also convey a sense of being unsure or confused about something.

    The idiom is commonly used in everyday language to admit one's lack of knowledge or understanding in a light-hearted or humorous manner. It can be used in various contexts, such as when discussing a complex problem, trying to solve a puzzle, or simply when faced with a situation where one feels uncertain.

    Origin of "I haven't got a clue"

    The origin of the idiom "I haven't got a clue" can be traced back to the late 19th or early 20th century. The word "clue" in this context refers to a piece of evidence or information that helps to solve a mystery or puzzle. The idiom likely originated from the idea that if someone doesn't have a clue, they lack the essential information or understanding needed to figure something out.

    The phrase has since become a common expression in the English language, used to convey a lack of knowledge or uncertainty in a casual and informal manner. It is often used in everyday conversation and is understood to mean that the speaker is clueless or unsure about a particular topic or situation.