1 B2 idiomatic informal
To become well-informed or knowledgeable about a particular subject.
"Before the job interview, she spent a week cluing herself up on the company's history and products."
separable
clue up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To become well-informed and knowledgeable about something; or to inform someone thoroughly about a subject.
In plain English
To learn a lot about something so you really know what you are talking about.
What does "clue up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To thoroughly inform another person about a subject (often in passive: 'clued up').
"You should ask Sarah — she's fully clued up on the new data protection regulations."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fill yourself up ('up') with clues/knowledge ('clue') about something.
Actually means
To learn a lot about something so you really know what you are talking about.
Usage tip
Chiefly British informal English. 'Clued up' is the common adjective form meaning 'well-informed' or 'knowledgeable.' Often used in passive constructions: 'I'm not very clued up on that.' Describes a thorough or expert level of knowledge.
Words that pair with "clue up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
subject topic regulations rights situation market
How to conjugate "clue up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
clue up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
clues up
he/she/it
Past simple
clued up
yesterday
Past participle
clued up
have + pp
-ing form
cluing up
continuous
Hear "clue up" in the wild
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