apes crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "apes," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "apes crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
COPY: To imitate or mimic someone's actions or mannerisms, often for humorous or critical effect.
6 Letters
MIMICS: To imitate someone or something, especially in an amusing or satirical way. A direct synonym for the verb 'to ape'.
7 Letters
MONKEYS: Primates that typically have tails and are generally smaller than apes. In some contexts, 'apes' can be used loosely to refer to monkeys, or the clue might play on the animal association.
More About "apes crossword clue"
The crossword clue "apes" is a classic example of how setters use wordplay and multiple meanings. The most common interpretation refers to the verb "to ape," meaning to imitate or mimic. This often leads to answers like COPY or MIMICS. However, it's also crucial to remember that "apes" are a type of primate, and sometimes clues will lean into this noun form, potentially leading to answers like MONKEYS or other related terms if the puzzle's context allows.
Understanding the dual nature of "apes" – as both a verb and a noun – is key to cracking this type of clue. Always consider the length of the required answer and any intersecting letters you might have already filled in. This helps narrow down whether the setter is looking for an action or an animal. The flexibility of such words makes crosswords both challenging and rewarding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms: For verbs like "apes," think of all possible synonyms for "to imitate" or "to mimic." For nouns, consider different types of primates or related terms.
- Check word length: The number of letters in the answer is your biggest hint. If you have "apes" and need a 4-letter word, "COPY" is highly likely. If it's 6, "MIMICS" fits perfectly.
- Look at surrounding clues: Intersecting letters are invaluable. They can confirm your suspicions or eliminate incorrect answers quickly. If an intersecting word clearly indicates the answer is a verb, you can rule out the noun interpretation.
- Don't stick to one meaning: Always be open to a clue having multiple interpretations. Crossword setters love to trick solvers by using less common meanings or playing on homographs.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common interpretations of 'apes' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'apes' can refer to the verb 'to imitate' or 'to mimic', or it can refer to the primates themselves. The context of the clue and surrounding letters will often guide you to the correct interpretation.
Why might 'COPY' be an answer for 'apes'?
The verb 'to ape' means to imitate or mimic, often in a foolish or exaggerated way. Therefore, 'COPY' is a direct and common synonym for this action in crossword puzzles.
Are there different types of 'apes' to consider when solving?
While 'apes' generally refers to primates like gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons, in crossword clues it most commonly refers to the act of imitation. However, if the clue implies a noun, 'MONKEYS' or other primate-related terms could be the answer. Always consider both verb and noun forms.