a faint clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a faint clue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a subtle or weak indication or hint about something. Example: "After searching for hours, I finally found a faint clue that led me to the missing document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Most fans would explode with delight if the band released an album of 10 short, fast and furious songs, and preferably produced by someone with a faint clue about how metal records sound in the 21st century.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The basic science relies on faint clues -- tiny bits of radioactive fallout, often invisible to the eye, that under intense scrutiny can reveal distinctive signatures.

The New York Times

Never mind those old stipulations about having to change your shoes or not being able to have a pint or a fag while you do it – I've even had my doubts about things where you have to check a clock to have the faintest clue how competitors in it are faring.

The Guardian - Sport

I read on with a mounting sense of bewildered intrigue as Potter described an insufferably smug hack who communicated in babbling streams of pretentious media jargon without suggesting for a moment that he had the faintest clue what he was on about (readers, please feel free to provide your own punchline here).

The Guardian

The answer to all of these questions not to mention the one about the scene where Aimee Mann covers The Cars' "Drive" at a roadhouse is "We don't have the faintest clue".

Vice

As for Batman's last outing in The Dark Knight Rises, I couldn't have been more excited to see that one on the day it opened last summer, and I couldn't have been more relieved to walk out of it after an hour and 45 minutes, still without the faintest clue what the villain wanted.

The Guardian - Opinion

The innovation and industry minister, Christopher Pyne, said the policy amounted to a backdown: Pyne said Shorten "hasn't got the faintest clue what he's talking about in terms of industry policy".

The Guardian - Business

He simply hasn't the faintest clue that he is going to be a grandfather again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A confession: the first time I watched Heaven Sent, I barely had the faintest clue what was going on.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He also criticised the panel advising Leveson, describing them as "a panel of experts who, while honourable and distinguished people, don't have the faintest clue how mass-selling newspapers operate".

The Guardian

I didn't have the faintest clue".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a faint clue" when you want to emphasize the subtlety or weakness of a hint or indication. It's effective for conveying that the evidence is minimal but potentially significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a faint clue" to describe obvious or strong indications. It's intended for situations where the evidence is subtle and easily overlooked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a faint clue" functions as a noun phrase, serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes something that provides a minimal level of guidance or indication. Ludwig AI shows the correct way to use it.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a faint clue" is used to describe a subtle or weak indication. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more commonly found in news and media, science and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the subtlety of the hint and avoid overstating its significance. Related phrases include "a subtle hint" and "a slight indication".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle hint

This alternative suggests a hint that is not immediately obvious but still present.

a slight indication

This phrase highlights a minor sign pointing towards something.

a trace of evidence

Focuses on minimal evidence available.

a glimmer of hope

This indicates a small amount of optimism or possibility.

a shadow of a doubt

Implies a very small amount of uncertainty.

a distant echo

Suggests a remote or weakened connection to something.

a mere suggestion

Highlights the insignificance of the hint.

a whisper of information

This refers to very little information being available.

a hint of understanding

It implies the beginning of comprehension.

an inkling

A vague idea or notion.

FAQs

How can I use "a faint clue" in a sentence?

You can use "a faint clue" to describe a subtle or weak indication. For example: "After searching for hours, I found "a faint clue" that led me to the hidden room."

What can I say instead of "a faint clue"?

You can use alternatives like "a subtle hint", "a slight indication", or "a trace of evidence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a faint clue" or "a feint clue"?

"A faint clue" is correct when referring to a subtle or weak indication. "Feint" refers to a deceptive movement, so "a feint clue" is not a standard or logical phrase.

What's the difference between "a faint clue" and "a strong clue"?

"A faint clue" suggests a subtle or easily missed indication, while "a strong clue" refers to an obvious and significant piece of evidence.