In this essay the author makes use of the category communicative clue, as defined by Gutt (1991/2000), to explain certain differences between an original work and its various translations. Communicative clues are very useful analytical devices that show nuances of meaning and style. In the source texts, they sometimes go unnoticed. But when a translation is done the translator may come across these features and must preferably transfer them. Very often, however, they are ignored. Here a particular experience with translators shows how often these clues are overlooked.