RUSE' The term GIVE A CLUE can be solved by the four letter word 'RUSE'. A RUSE is a clever trick or stratagem used to deceive someone. It is often used in the context of a game, such as a crossword puzzle, where one person gives a clue to another person in order to help them solve the puzzle. The clue giver must be careful not to give away too much information, as this would make the puzzle too easy to solve.