awkward crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "awkward crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "awkward crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HARD: Refers to a crossword clue that is difficult or challenging to solve.
5 Letters
GAWKY: Describes someone or something physically awkward, often due to lack of coordination.
6 Letters
TRICKY: Indicates a clue that is cunningly difficult, perhaps designed to mislead the solver.
CLUMSY: Pertains to a lack of grace or skill in movement, often leading to accidents.
7 Letters
CRYPTIC: Refers to a clue that is obscure, mysterious, or difficult to understand, often found in cryptic crosswords.
8 Letters
UNGAINLY: Describes a person or thing that is awkward, clumsy, or not graceful in appearance or movement.
9 Letters
INELEGANT: Suggests a lack of grace, refinement, or good taste, applicable to solutions or situations.
12 Letters
EMBARRASSING: Relates to a social situation or outcome that causes discomfort or shame due to its awkwardness.
More About "awkward crossword clue"
The term "awkward" in a crossword clue can be wonderfully ambiguous, adding an extra layer of challenge for solvers. It might refer to something physically clumsy or ungraceful, leading to answers like GAWKY or CLUMSY. However, in the context of the clue itself being "awkward," it often points to a clue that is difficult, puzzling, or unusually phrased, hinting at solutions such as TRICKY, HARD, or CRYPTIC.
Understanding the dual nature of "awkward" is key to unlocking these types of clues. Is the clue describing a state of being, a physical characteristic, or the quality of the clue's construction itself? The surrounding letters you've already filled in are invaluable for determining the exact nuance the setter intended. Often, setters use such clues to test your breadth of vocabulary and your ability to think outside the box.
When you encounter an 'awkward' clue, consider its synonyms from various contexts – physical, social, and conceptual. This broad approach increases your chances of hitting upon the precise word the crossword constructor had in mind, transforming an initial head-scratcher into a satisfying solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Type: Is it a literal definition, a cryptic clue, an anagram, or a pun? Identifying the clue's style can immediately narrow down the possible answer types.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use the letters from already solved intersecting words. These fixed points can dramatically reduce the number of possible answers for an awkward clue.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: If an "awkward" clue implies difficulty, think of words like "hard" or "tough." If it implies clumsiness, consider "gawky" or "clumsy." Sometimes thinking of the opposite can also help spark an idea.
- Don't Be Afraid to Leave and Return: If a clue is truly awkward, sometimes the best strategy is to move on and solve other parts of the puzzle. New letters will appear, and your subconscious mind might work on the difficult clue in the meantime.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue 'awkward'?
An 'awkward' crossword clue can be one that is unusually phrased, highly cryptic, uses obscure vocabulary, or refers to a very niche topic. It might also be a clue that seems to have multiple plausible answers of the same length, making it difficult to pinpoint the correct one.
How do you approach solving an awkward clue?
When faced with an awkward clue, first try to identify its type (e.g., cryptic, literal, pun). Look for common crossword patterns, such as anagrams, homophones, or hidden words. Consider common synonyms for 'awkward' (like clumsy, difficult, tricky) and test them against intersecting letters you already have. Sometimes, leaving it and solving surrounding clues helps reveal letters that simplify the options.
Are there common themes for 'awkward' answers?
Answers to 'awkward' clues often relate to physical clumsiness (GAWKY, CLUMSY, UNGAINLY), social discomfort (EMBARRASSING, UNEASY), or the difficulty of the clue itself (TRICKY, HARD, CRYPTIC). The context of other solved words in the puzzle can help narrow down which type of 'awkwardness' the clue is referring to.