bristle crossword – All Crossword Answers

Q: What does 'bristle' typically mean in a crossword?

In crosswords, 'bristle' usually refers to either stiff, short hairs (like on a brush or animal) or the act of showing anger, indignation, or annoyance, often metaphorically implying that one's hair stands on end.

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Find all the solutions and explanations for the tricky clue "bristle crossword" to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We've got you covered for every letter count.

Solutions for "bristle crossword" by Letter Count

4 Letters

FUME: To show anger or indignation, often indicated by a person's hair seemingly standing on end.

5 Letters

HAIRS: Stiff, short strands, often found on brushes or animals, referring to the physical meaning of bristle.

ERECT: To stand upright, describing how hair or bristles might position themselves in response to a threat or emotion.

6 Letters

QUILLS: Stiff, sharp hairs, such as those of a porcupine, a more specific form of bristle used for defense.

More About "bristle crossword"

"Bristle" is a fascinating crossword clue because it often has a dual meaning, challenging solvers to consider context. It can refer to the stiff, short hairs found on animals or brushes, conjuring images of rigidity and texture. Alternatively, it can describe the act of becoming visibly angry, indignant, or annoyed, where one's hackles (another term for stiff hairs) might metaphorically "bristle up."

Recognizing which meaning the setter intends requires careful attention to surrounding clues, letter counts, and the overall theme of the puzzle. Common synonyms for the "hair" meaning include QUILLS, HAIRS, or SPIKES, while the "anger" meaning might lead to answers like FUME, RAGE, or GET MAD. This versatility makes "bristle" a popular and sometimes tricky clue in crosswords of all difficulties.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Dual Meanings: For words like "bristle" that have multiple distinct definitions (e.g., physical hairs vs. showing anger), always consider both possibilities.
Check Surrounding Clues: The crossing words are your best friends. If an intersecting word suggests an emotion, "bristle" likely means anger. If it's a part of an animal, it might refer to the physical hair.
Letter Count is Key: Use the provided letter count as a powerful filter. If you think of "RAGE" (4 letters) but the slot is for 5, you need to rethink your answer.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "bristle" typically mean in a crossword?

In crosswords, "bristle" usually refers to either stiff, short hairs (like on a brush or animal) or the act of showing anger, indignation, or annoyance, often metaphorically implying that one's hair stands on end.

Are there common synonyms for "bristle" in crosswords?

Yes, depending on the intended meaning. For the 'hair' meaning, answers like HAIRS, QUILLS, or SPIKES are common. For the 'anger' meaning, you might see FUME, RAGE, or perhaps ERECT if it implies the hair standing up from emotion.

How do I distinguish between the two meanings of "bristle" when solving?

Look at the letter count, crossing letters, and the overall theme or tone of the puzzle. If the clue mentions an animal or object, it likely refers to hair. If it suggests a reaction to something, it probably means anger.