173: clue May 30, 2015

A clue to the origin of the word 'clue' is in its derivation from the Middle English word 'clew', meaning "ball of thread". This may not be of much help unless you are clued up on Greek mythology. The story goes that the hero Theseus was given a ball of thread to help him find his way out of the labyrinth of Minos. By following the trail of thread he left behind him he was able to navigate his way to the exit. The word 'clue' then became associated with anything which might hint at the solution.