beast of burden crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "beast of burden crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "beast of burden crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
OX: A castrated bull, traditionally used for heavy labor and pulling carts or plows.
4 Letters
MULE: A hybrid offspring of a donkey and a horse, widely valued for its strength, endurance, and sure-footedness in carrying loads.
5 Letters
CAMEL: A large, desert-dwelling mammal known for its ability to carry heavy loads over long distances without water, often called 'ships of the desert'.
LLAMA: A domesticated South American camelid primarily used as a pack animal in the Andes mountains, known for its gentle nature.
HORSE: A domesticated, large, four-legged mammal often used for riding, hauling, and various forms of work and transport.
6 Letters
DONKEY: A domesticated member of the horse family, known for its hardiness, sure-footedness, and common use as a working animal, especially for carrying burdens.
More About "beast of burden crossword clue"
The term "beast of burden" refers to any animal used by humans for work, especially for carrying or pulling loads. Historically, these animals have been indispensable for agriculture, transportation, and construction across diverse civilizations. From the ancient Egyptians using oxen to plow fields to traders relying on camels to cross deserts, these creatures have powered human progress for millennia.
Common examples include horses, donkeys, mules, oxen, llamas, and camels. Each is adapted to different environments and tasks; for instance, the camel excels in arid conditions, while the donkey is known for its resilience in various terrains. Understanding these animals' unique characteristics can often provide a crucial hint when encountering related crossword clues, as the clue might hint at their habitat, specific use, or even a distinctive physical feature.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "beast of burden," consider if the clue hints at a specific type (e.g., 'desert beast' points to CAMEL, 'hybrid' to MULE).
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities and narrow down your options significantly.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential answers. If 'MULE' fits, but the second letter isn't 'U', it's not the answer.
- Think Broadly & Specifically: Sometimes a clue can be general (e.g., 'animal'), sometimes very specific ('African mammal with a trunk'). Consider both common and less common answers depending on the difficulty.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a 'beast of burden'?
A 'beast of burden' is an animal, typically domesticated, used by humans to carry heavy loads, pull carts, or perform other forms of physical labor. These animals are crucial for transportation, agriculture, and various industries across many cultures.
Are all animals used for labor considered 'beasts of burden'?
Generally, 'beasts of burden' specifically refers to animals used for carrying or pulling loads. While many animals perform labor, the term specifically highlights their role in bearing weight or moving goods, differentiating them from animals used for riding (unless also carrying gear), or other forms of assistance.
How can I improve my crossword solving skills for animal-related clues?
To improve, familiarize yourself with common animal names, their specific characteristics, and their roles (e.g., farm animals, pets, wild animals, beasts of burden). Pay attention to the clue's nuances, such as 'domesticated' or 'native to a desert,' as these can narrow down possibilities considerably. Regularly solving puzzles will also build your vocabulary and recognition of common crossword patterns.