blows up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "blows up" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "blows up crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
RAGES: Becomes intensely angry, often leading to an outburst.
6 Letters
ERUPTS: Breaks out suddenly or violently, like a volcano or an emotional outburst.
8 Letters
EXPLODES: Bursts or shatters violently, often due to internal pressure.
9 Letters
DETONATES: Explodes with a sudden, loud, and powerful force.
More About "blows up crossword clue"
"Blows up" is a versatile clue in crosswords, often testing a solver's ability to consider both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it points to actions involving explosions or rapid expansion. Think of a bomb detonating, a balloon inflating quickly, or a volcano erupting. These actions all involve a sudden, often violent, increase in size or force.
However, the clue frequently appears in a more metaphorical sense. For instance, someone might "blow up" in anger, meaning they suddenly become very enraged. A situation or scandal could "blow up," indicating it has rapidly escalated out of control and become a major issue. Recognizing which interpretation is intended is crucial for selecting the correct answer, and this often depends on the letter count and context provided by intersecting words.
Crossword setters love to play on these dual meanings to challenge solvers. Always consider the surrounding clues and the overall theme of the puzzle. If the puzzle has a scientific theme, a literal answer is more probable. If it's more about human emotions or social events, a figurative answer might be the key.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For clues like "blows up," always think about both the literal (explode, inflate) and figurative (get angry, escalate) interpretations.
- Check Letter Count First: The number of letters is often the most critical piece of information. Eliminate answers that don't match immediately.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from crossing words, use them to narrow down possibilities. This is especially helpful when multiple answers could fit the clue's meaning.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, a clue might point to a concept, and you need to find a synonym or even an antonym (if the clue implies the opposite).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'blows up' mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'blows up' can have several meanings. It most commonly refers to something exploding (e.g., DETONATES, EXPLODES), but it can also refer to a sudden burst of anger (e.g., RAGES) or a rapid increase in size or importance (e.g., GROWS, SWELLS).
How can I distinguish between literal and figurative answers for 'blows up'?
The key is context. Look at the number of letters required, any intersecting letters from other clues, and the overall theme of the puzzle. If the surrounding clues suggest a violent action, a literal answer like EXPLODES is likely. If the puzzle has a more emotional or growth-related theme, a figurative answer like RAGES or SWELLS might fit.
Are there common synonyms for 'blows up' used in crossword clues?
Yes, common synonyms or related phrases include 'erupts', 'detonates', 'explodes', 'bursts', 'rages', 'flares (up)', 'expands (rapidly)', or 'inflates'. The precise answer depends on the letter count and intersecting clues.