A clue or lead — information or evidence that provides a key to solving a problem or case.
警察は新しい手がかりをもとに捜査を進めている。
The police are advancing the investigation based on a new lead.
目撃者の証言が事件解決の手がかりになった。
The witness's testimony became a clue to solving the case.
資料から手がかりを探して、研究を続けた。
I searched the documents for clues and continued the research.
A handhold; a place or part you can grasp with your hand (e.g., on a cliff or rock).
岩場で安全な手がかりを見つけて登った。
I found a safe handhold on the rocks and climbed up.
古い棚には手がかりがなく、取り外すのに苦労した。
The old shelf had no convenient grips, so it was hard to remove.