What is the meaning of 'bill of fare'?

A 'bill of fare' is an older or more formal term for a menu, a list of dishes and beverages available for customers in a restaurant or at a meal.

Why might 'bill of fare' have multiple crossword answers?

Crossword clues often have multiple answers due to synonyms, different interpretations, or varying lengths needed for the puzzle grid. For 'bill of fare', terms like MENU, CARD, and LIST are all valid synonyms depending on context and letter count.

Are there other historical terms similar to 'bill of fare'?

Historically, terms like 'carte du jour' (menu of the day) or simply 'card' were used, especially in French culinary contexts from which many English terms are derived. 'Bill of fare' itself has a slightly old-fashioned charm.

bill of fare crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive solutions for the "bill of fare crossword clue," helping you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide answers by letter count along with helpful explanations.

Solutions for "bill of fare crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

MENU: A list of dishes available in a restaurant, a direct synonym for 'bill of fare'.

CARD: Often used as 'menu card' or 'wine card', referring to a list of offerings.

LIST: A general term for an itemized series, which a bill of fare fundamentally is.

More About "bill of fare crossword clue"

The term "bill of fare" is a classic and somewhat archaic phrase for what we commonly refer to today as a menu. It literally means a list of what is offered, particularly in a dining context. Crossword setters love these kinds of evocative, slightly old-fashioned terms because they offer a rich ground for multiple synonymous answers.

Understanding the nuances of such terms is key to cracking many crossword puzzles. While "MENU" is the most direct modern equivalent, older puzzles or specific contexts might lean towards "CARD" (as in a menu card) or the more general "LIST." Always consider the number of letters required by the grid when encountering clues like this.

This clue often appears in puzzles because it connects common everyday objects (a menu) with less common phrasing, testing a solver's vocabulary and their ability to think of synonyms across different registers of language. It's a prime example of why context and letter count are crucial in crossword solving.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Synonyms: Always brainstorm a wide range of synonyms, even if some seem too broad or too specific at first. For "bill of fare," think about all words related to lists of food.
Check Letter Count: Once you have potential answers, immediately check if their letter count matches the grid. This is often the fastest way to narrow down options from multiple synonyms.
Look for Common Crossword Terms: Some words, like MENU, are very common in crosswords because they are versatile and have many synonyms or related clues. Familiarize yourself with common crossword patterns.
Use Context: If other letters are filled in around the clue, use them as hints. Do they suggest a particular theme or category (e.g., dining, documents, general items)?

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common answer for "bill of fare" in crosswords?

The most common answer is typically "MENU" due to its direct and widely understood meaning as a list of available food items. However, "CARD" and "LIST" are also very frequent, especially when the letter count requires it.

How can I differentiate between similar answers like MENU and CARD?

The primary way to differentiate is by the number of letters required by the crossword grid. If both are 4 letters, then look at crossing letters from other clues. Sometimes the overall theme of the puzzle might also provide a subtle hint.

Is "bill of fare" still used today?

While not as common as "menu," "bill of fare" is still understood and occasionally used, particularly in formal or nostalgic contexts, or by those who appreciate traditional language. Its continued presence in crosswords helps keep the term in public awareness.