clued-up
/ˌkluːd ˈʌp/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkluːd ˈʌp/ (ame, ipa)
clued-up — adjective
1. knowing a great deal about a specific subject because you have taken the time to
knowing a great deal about a specific subject because you have taken the time to study or pay attention to it — for example, a journalist who is clued-up about politics, or a fan who is clued-up on classical music.
Hui is remarkably clued-up about the legal aspects of property buying.
clued-up + about + topic
To be a good tour guide you need to be properly clued-up on local history.
The Watanabe family hired a clued-up financial adviser for their retirement planning.
Selim asked a clued-up colleague which laptop would suit his graphic-design work.
- knowledgeable
more formal and neutral; standard in both British and American English
- well-informed
broader — can refer to general awareness rather than specialised expertise
- expert
stronger — implies formal training or professional-level mastery, not just good knowledge
- clueless
common informal opposite; means having no understanding at all
文法句型
clued-up + about/on + topic
用法筆記
Only used before a noun or after a linking verb; the hyphen is usually kept even in predicative position (e.g. 'she is very clued-up'). Cannot be used with an infinitive ('clued-up to do') — use 'knowledgeable enough to' instead.
常見錯誤
clued-up — phrasal verb
- clued-upbase form
- clued-ups3rd person singular
- clued-uping-ing form
- clued-upedpast simple
1. to have the most recent information about a particular topic, especially because
to have the most recent information about a particular topic, especially because you follow news or developments closely — for example, being clued up on the latest smartphone releases, or clued up about changes to tax law.
Indra is totally clued up on the latest fashion trends from Milan and Paris.
clued up on + latest developments
Before the meeting, make sure you are clued up about the new data-protection rules.
Baraka reads three tech blogs every morning to stay clued up on cybersecurity threats.
The nursing team must remain clued up about the latest guidelines for treating diabetic patients.
- in the know
similar register; suggests access to exclusive or insider information
- well-informed
more formal; less specific about recency of information
- up to speed
focuses on being caught up after a period of absence, rather than already knowing
- out of the loop
informal; describes someone who lacks current information on a topic
文法句型
be clued up on/about + topic
用法筆記
Unlike 'clued-up' (adjective), this phrasal-verb form carries a strong sense of keeping pace with ongoing change — being up to date rather than simply possessing static knowledge. Typically used with 'on' for trendy or current-affairs topics, and 'about' for more practical or procedural information.