buttonhole crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "buttonhole crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of this tricky clue and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "buttonhole crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HOLE: Refers to the literal opening for a button, a common interpretation for the noun meaning of "buttonhole."
6 Letters
WAYLAY: To stop someone and talk to them, often unexpectedly or to delay them, fitting the verb meaning of buttonhole.
ACCOST: To approach and speak to someone boldly or aggressively, similar to buttonholing someone by confronting them.
DETAIN: To keep someone from proceeding; to hold back or impede, which can accurately describe the action of buttonholing someone in conversation.
8 Letters
APERTURE: A small opening or hole, especially one through which light can pass; a more formal synonym for the physical buttonhole.
More About "buttonhole crossword"
"Buttonhole" is a fascinating word in the English language, primarily because of its dual nature, which crossword setters love to exploit. At its most literal, a buttonhole is the slit in a garment into which a button is passed. This simple, everyday object offers a straightforward crossword solution like "HOLE" or "APERTURE." However, the word takes on a completely different meaning when used as a verb.
As a verb, to "buttonhole" someone means to stop them in conversation and detain them, often against their will or for an extended period, by engaging them in a lengthy or unwelcome discussion. This figurative usage draws a clever parallel to the physical act of securing something through a buttonhole, implying a forceful or persistent hold on the person. This duality makes "buttonhole" a classic crossword clue, as it requires solvers to think beyond the obvious and consider both the concrete and the abstract interpretations.
Understanding this double meaning is key to cracking such clues. Always consider whether the clue implies an object or an action, and how the surrounding context in the puzzle might guide you towards the correct answer length and interpretation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: Words like "buttonhole" are prime examples of terms with multiple distinct meanings (noun vs. verb). Always explore every possible definition of a clue, not just the most common one.
- Check Letter Counts: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, this can be a powerful tool to narrow down which meaning is intended, as different interpretations often lead to answers of varying lengths.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Pay close attention to other words in the clue or already solved words in the puzzle. They might subtly hint whether the physical "hole" meaning or the "detaining" meaning is applicable.
- Think Synonyms and Related Concepts: Once you identify a potential meaning, brainstorm synonyms or closely related words for that specific sense of the clue. This expands your pool of possible answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main meanings of 'buttonhole' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'buttonhole' primarily refers to two distinct concepts: first, the literal opening in fabric designed for a button (a noun); and second, as a verb meaning to unexpectedly stop and hold someone in conversation, often against their will or for an extended period.
Why is 'buttonhole' a challenging crossword clue?
It's challenging due to its dual nature – being both a common noun and a verb with a very specific, idiomatic meaning. This duality can easily misdirect solvers, requiring careful attention to the clue's wording and surrounding context to determine the intended interpretation.
How can I distinguish between the meanings when solving a crossword?
Always consider the letter count first, as different meanings often have answers of varying lengths. Also, look for subtle hints in the clue's phrasing (e.g., if it implies an action vs. an object) and check for corroborating letters from intersecting words in the puzzle. Paying attention to the overall theme or tone of the puzzle can also provide clues.