bete noire crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "bete noire crossword clue," helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "bete noire crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BANE: A common short answer, referring to a cause of great distress or annoyance.
7 Letters
NEMESIS: Often the most fitting answer, denoting a long-standing rival or a source of ruin or undoing.
8 Letters
PETPEEVE: A descriptive term for a particular thing that annoys one, fitting for longer puzzles.
More About "bete noire crossword clue"
"Bête noire" is a French phrase literally meaning "black beast." In English, it refers to something or someone that one particularly dislikes, dreads, or avoids. It's often used to describe an object of intense aversion or a recurring source of trouble. Crossword setters frequently use this phrase to test vocabulary and knowledge of idiomatic expressions.
Understanding the nuance of this French loanword is key to cracking such clues in various puzzles, from cryptic to quick crosswords. Solutions often revolve around synonyms for an enemy, a source of torment, or a strong personal dislike, such as "nemesis," "bane," or "pet peeve." Its inclusion in crosswords reflects its common usage in the English language to describe a personal aversion.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider French Loanwords: Many crosswords, especially British and American ones, incorporate common French phrases like "bête noire." If a clue sounds foreign, think about common loanwords and their English interpretations.
- Think Synonyms for "Dislike": "Bête noire" fundamentally means something disliked or dreaded. Brainstorm words like "enemy," "bane," "aversion," "scourge," "bug," or "pet peeve" when you encounter similar clues.
- Check Letter Count: As with any crossword clue, matching the given letter count is crucial. If "bete noire" leads you to "nemesis" (7 letters) but the answer space is 4 letters, consider alternatives like "bane." This is often the quickest way to narrow down options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "bête noire" mean in general usage?
"Bête noire" is a French phrase that translates to "black beast." In English, it refers to a person or thing that is particularly disliked or dreaded, or a source of great annoyance or frustration.
Is "bête noire" always used for people?
No, while it can refer to a person (like a nemesis or rival), "bête noire" can also refer to an object, concept, or situation that one finds particularly irksome or repellent.
Are there common alternative crossword answers for clues like "bête noire"?
Beyond "NEMESIS" and "BANE," other common answers might include "ANATHEMA," "SCOURGE," "PETPEEVE," or even simpler terms like "HATE" or "AVERSION," depending on the letter count and specific nuance of the clue.