Sometimes you come across new expressions. Rarely do you come across new expressions that make you go “oh wow.” When you do — well, when I do — you immediately steal it and incorporate it into your vocabulary.
Today while reading news commentary — without getting into politics, someone was wondering why a photographer thought he would get away with a crude forgery — I came across “he assumed his bureau chief was not unduly burdened with clue.”
I loved that expression — the take on “has no clue” to imply he has some, but not nearly enough to know when he’s being led around by the nose. Clue as a burden that makes you notice things other people miss — thereby staying out of trouble relative to you. All of that is there, implied, in layers.
I’ve since found occasion to use it on my kids “You’re not unduly burdened with clue” and on various acquaintances.
I like it. And I’m a writer, which means I have permission to steal.
Forgive in haste and semi-coherent posting. I’m also a writer on deadline for third musketeers book and I mean to deliver pretty much close to sort of on time. :)
Sarah
According To Hoyt 