broke down crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "broke down crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers across various word lengths, along with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your crossword-solving skills. Dive in to find the perfect fit for your puzzle!
Solutions for "broke down crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WEPT: Cried, typically from emotional distress or sadness.
6 Letters
FAILED: Malfunctioned or ceased to operate successfully, often referring to machinery.
8 Letters
ANALYSED: Examined methodically and in detail, breaking something into its constituent parts for study.
9 Letters
COLLAPSED: Fell down or gave way suddenly, often due to weakness or external pressure.
More About "broke down crossword clue"
"Broke down" is a versatile phrase that can have multiple meanings in everyday language, and this ambiguity often translates directly into crossword puzzles. Recognizing these different interpretations is key to finding the correct answer. It can refer to a mechanical failure, such as a car that has FAILED or STOPPED working. This meaning often appears in clues related to machinery or systems.
Alternatively, "broke down" can signify an emotional state, where someone has given in to sadness or distress, leading to tears. Words like WEPT or SOBBED are common answers in this context. Furthermore, the phrase can imply a process of decomposition or analysis, where something is broken into smaller parts for examination, as in ANALYSED or DECOMPOSED. Lastly, "broke down" might describe a physical collapse, like a building that COLLAPSED.
Understanding the specific context provided by the rest of the clue is crucial. Look for synonyms, antonyms, or related concepts that hint at which meaning of "broke down" the puzzle setter intends. The number of letters required is always your most direct hint.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Context: For clues like "broke down," always read the full clue carefully. Is it about a machine, an emotion, or an analysis? The surrounding words will guide you to the correct interpretation and answer.
- Think Synonyms: Brainstorm various synonyms for each meaning of "broke down" (e.g., for mechanical: 'failed,' 'stopped'; for emotional: 'cried,' 'wept'; for analysis: 'analyzed,' 'dissected').
- Check Letter Count: Once you have potential answers, verify their letter count against the empty squares in the puzzle. This is often the quickest way to eliminate incorrect possibilities and confirm the right word.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Use any letters already filled in from intersecting words to narrow down your options for "broke down." Sometimes, even one letter can be the breakthrough you need.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many letters should a crossword answer for 'broke down' have?
The number of letters for 'broke down' can vary greatly depending on the specific meaning and context within the crossword puzzle. Common answers range from 4 letters (e.g., WEPT) to 10 letters (e.g., DECOMPOSED).
What are the different interpretations of 'broke down' in crosswords?
'Broke down' can refer to a mechanical failure (e.g., FAILED, STOPPED), an emotional collapse (e.g., WEPT, SOBBED), a physical collapse (e.g., COLLAPSED), or the act of analyzing or deconstructing something (e.g., ANALYSED, DECOMPOSED). The surrounding clue words are key to identifying the intended meaning.
Can 'broke down' be an anagram clue?
While 'broke down' itself is a phrase, it could be part of a larger anagrammatic clue, especially if it indicates something is 'broken' or 'rearranged.' Always look for indicator words like 'muddled,' 'confused,' 'arranged,' or 'stirred' to spot anagrams.