beacon vs clue

beacon

noun
  • That which gives notice of danger, or keeps people on the correct path. 

  • An electronic device that broadcasts a signal to nearby portable devices, enabling smartphones etc. to perform actions when in physical proximity to the beacon. 

  • A signal fire to notify of the approach of an enemy, or to give any notice, commonly of warning. 

  • A high hill or other easily distinguishable object near the shore which can serve as guidance for seafarers. 

  • A signal or conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners. 

  • A post or buoy placed over a shoal or bank to warn vessels of danger; also a signal mark on land. (FM 55-501) 

verb
  • To furnish with a beacon or beacons. 

  • To act as a beacon. 

  • To give light to, as a beacon; to light up; to illumine. 

clue

noun
  • An object or a kind of indication which may be used as evidence. 

  • Information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion. 

  • Insight or understanding ("to have a clue [about]" or "to have clue". See have a clue, clue stick) 

verb
  • To provide with a clue. 

  • To provide someone with information which he or she lacks (often used with "in" or "up"). 

How often have the words beacon and clue occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )