I inherited a Word A Day calendar and yesterday's word was "clew" which had a surprising origin. To wit, "a ball of thread, yearn or cord..." and it went on to say 'The ball of thread' meaning of "clew" (from Middle English clewe) has been with us since before the 12th century. Because balls of thread were used to escape from labyrinths in various mytholical stories (such as the story of Theseus in Crete), "clew" and the variant "clue" came to be used for anything that could guide a person through a difficult place." -- from Page A Day calendar.
Well, I thought that was handy. I mean, now I feel totally ok carrying that giant ball of Lily sugar'n cream dishcloth yarn in my purse. I mean, it could be handy in getting me out of a tightspot someday. I have a clew!
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