belly up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "belly up crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DEAD: This answer refers to something no longer alive or operational, directly aligning with the meaning of a fish floating "belly up" or a system that has ceased to function.
BUST: Often used informally, this term means to be bankrupt or to have failed completely, particularly in a financial or business context. A company going "belly up" is often described as going "bust."
5 Letters
KAPUT: An informal term derived from German, meaning broken, ruined, or no longer functioning. If something has gone "belly up," it's often considered "kaput."
6 Letters
FAILED: This straightforward answer means to be unsuccessful in achieving an aim or to cease to function properly. When a venture or a person goes "belly up," they have unequivocally "failed."
More About "belly up crossword clue"
The phrase "belly up" is an evocative idiom often used in various contexts, from the literal to the figurative. Originating from the observation of a dead fish floating on the surface of water with its belly exposed, it primarily conveys the meaning of being deceased or, more broadly, having failed or gone bankrupt. In crosswords, its versatility makes it a popular clue, challenging solvers to consider its different nuances.
When "belly up" appears in a puzzle, it almost universally points towards a state of ruin, collapse, or death. For instance, a business that goes "belly up" has failed financially and closed down. Similarly, an individual or a plan can go "belly up" if they meet with utter failure. Understanding these primary interpretations is key to finding the correct answer among options like DEAD, BUST, KAPUT, or FAILED, which all capture aspects of this powerful idiom.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Figuratively and Literally: For clues like "belly up," consider both its literal origins (a dead fish) and its common figurative meanings (failed, bankrupt). Crossword setters love to play on these double meanings.
- Consider Letter Count Carefully: Once you have a potential meaning, brainstorm synonyms and then focus on those that match the required letter count. This is often the most critical step for idiomatic clues.
- Look for Context: If possible, use intersecting letters from other clues to narrow down the options. Sometimes, the overall theme of the puzzle or the surrounding clues can provide subtle hints about the intended meaning of an ambiguous phrase.
- Expand Your Vocabulary of Failure: Keep a mental list of words associated with failure, collapse, and cessation, as these are frequent answers for "belly up" and similar clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'belly up' typically mean in crossword clues?
'Belly up' in crossword clues most commonly refers to something that has failed, gone bankrupt, or is no longer functioning. It can also imply being dead, especially in the context of fish.
Are there common synonyms for 'belly up' clues?
Yes, common synonyms include 'kaput,' 'dead,' 'bust,' 'ruined,' 'failed,' or phrases implying cessation of function or financial ruin. The length of the answer will often guide which synonym is correct.
How can I approach an idiomatic clue like 'belly up'?
When encountering idiomatic clues, think about all possible literal and figurative meanings of the phrase. Consider various contexts where the idiom is used (e.g., a business going belly up, a fish belly up). Then, brainstorm synonyms for those meanings and check them against the available letter count.