bristle crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "bristle crossword puzzle clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, clear explanations, and helpful tips to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "bristle crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FUME: To show anger or irritation, often by emitting smoke or steam.
RISE: To stand on end, as hair or fur, indicating a physical reaction.
5 Letters
QUILL: A stiff, sharp hair or spine, such as found on a porcupine or hedgehog.
6 Letters
SEETHE: To be filled with intense but unexpressed anger; to boil inwardly with silent fury.
7 Letters
PRICKLE: A small, sharp point, like a bristle; also to cause a tingling or pricking sensation.
STIFFEN: To become rigid or firm, often describing hairs standing on end or a person's posture in anger.
More About "bristle crossword puzzle clue"
"Bristle" is a fascinating word in the world of crosswords because it carries both a literal and a figurative meaning, making it a versatile and sometimes tricky clue. Literally, bristles are the short, stiff hairs found on animals or brushes. When a clue points to this meaning, you might find answers like QUILL or FIBRE.
However, "bristle" also commonly refers to a strong emotional reaction – to become visibly angry, annoyed, or indignant. Clues like "Show irritation" or "Get angry" often lead to answers such as FUME, RAGE, or SEETHE. The context provided by the rest of the clue and the number of letters in the answer are vital for discerning which meaning is intended.
Understanding this dual nature of "bristle" is key to successfully navigating related crossword clues. Always consider both the physical and emotional interpretations to unlock the solution, and let the crossing letters be your ultimate guide.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: For words like "bristle" with both literal and figurative interpretations, always ponder which meaning the clue is hinting at. The surrounding words in the clue are your best friends here.
- Use Letter Count Wisely: The number of letters in the answer is a critical piece of information. It instantly eliminates many possibilities and guides you toward the correct word length.
- Leverage Crossing Letters: Never underestimate the power of crossing letters. Once you have a few letters from intersecting words, they can quickly reveal the correct answer for your "bristle" clue.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes crossword setters use synonyms or even slightly less common meanings. If the obvious answer doesn't fit, think about other ways the word could be interpreted.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common interpretations of "bristle" in crosswords?
In crosswords, "bristle" often refers to two main concepts: literally, as stiff hair or a sharp projection (e.g., on a brush or animal), or figuratively, as to react with anger, annoyance, or indignation.
How does the letter count help with "bristle" clues?
The letter count is crucial. If the answer is 4 letters, options like FUME or RISE might fit. If it's 6 or 7 letters, you're looking at words like SEETHE, PRICKLE, or STIFFEN. This significantly narrows down the possibilities based on the grid.
Are there other words similar to "bristle" that crosswords use?
Yes, depending on the context, synonyms or related terms often used include FURY, RAGE, IRE (for anger), or QUILL, SPINE, HAIR, FIBRE (for the physical meaning). The specific nuance of the clue will guide you to the correct synonym.