as they say crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "as they say crossword clue" and need a quick solution or a deeper understanding, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by length, along with clear explanations to help you conquer your puzzle.
Solutions for "as they say crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TOWIT: An archaic phrase meaning "namely" or "that is to say," often used to introduce a specification or explanation.
8 Letters
COMMONLY: Meaning "usually" or "frequently," reflecting what is generally accepted or done.
9 Letters
SOTOSPEAK: An idiom used to indicate that one is speaking figuratively or metaphorically, rather than literally.
ALLEGEDLY: Used to emphasize that something is stated to be the case but has not been proven.
12 Letters
INOTHERWORDS: A phrase used to rephrase something for clarity or simplification.
More About "as they say crossword clue"
The clue "as they say" in crosswords typically points to a well-known idiom, saying, or a common phrase that introduces a widely accepted truth or a popular way of expressing something. These clues test your knowledge of common linguistic conventions rather than literal definitions.
Understanding these types of clues often requires thinking outside the box, moving beyond direct synonyms to familiar expressions. Phrases like "so to speak" or "in other words" are perfect examples, indicating a metaphorical or rephrased statement that is commonly heard in everyday conversation.
When you encounter such a clue, consider how people would colloquially express the concept. It's less about the exact meaning and more about the cultural currency of the phrase, making them fun but sometimes tricky challenges in the crossword grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Identify Idiomatic Hints: Look for clues that use phrases like "as it were," "it's said," "informally," or "figuratively speaking." These are strong indicators that the answer is an idiom or common saying.
- Consider Phrase Lengths: Even if an idiom is multiple words, it often appears as a single continuous string of letters in the crossword grid. Count the total letters in common phrases to match them against the available spaces.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to surrounding clues and already filled letters. These can provide vital context to narrow down which specific idiom or saying is being sought.
- Think Beyond Literal Meanings: For "as they say" type clues, the answer is rarely a single, direct synonym. Instead, it's usually an entire phrase that conveys a particular sentiment or way of speaking.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crossword clues use phrases like "as they say"?
Clues like "as they say" are used to hint at idiomatic expressions, common sayings, or phrases that are widely known and often quoted, making the solver think of conventional language rather than literal meanings.
How can I identify idiomatic phrases in crosswords?
Look for clues that include terms like "so to speak," "informally," "familiarly," "it's said," or expressions that don't seem to point to a concrete noun or verb. These often lead to well-known phrases.
What's the best strategy for solving idiom-based crossword clues?
Consider common proverbs, clichés, or well-known figures of speech. If you have some letters, try to think of common phrases that fit the pattern. Often, the answer is a phrase that functions as a single word in the grid (e.g., "SOTOSPEAK" might be one continuous word).