buttonhole crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "buttonhole crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers and their explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "buttonhole crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PIN: To hold or fix someone in place, similar to buttonholing them to get their attention.
NAG: To persistently bother or annoy someone, often with complaints or requests, which can feel like being buttonholed.
6 Letters
CORNER: To trap or force someone into a position where they cannot escape, often to confront them or talk to them against their will.
ACCOST: To approach and address someone boldly or aggressively, similar to how one might buttonhole a person for a conversation.
WAYLAY: To stop someone and detain them unexpectedly, often to talk to them or rob them, fitting the sense of buttonholing someone.
BADGER: To repeatedly pester someone to do something, or to ask them for something persistently, a direct synonym for buttonholing in many contexts.
More About "buttonhole crossword clue"
The clue "buttonhole" in crosswords usually refers to the act of detaining someone in conversation, often in a persistent or annoying manner. It implies a sense of trapping or cornering someone to speak with them, sometimes against their will or at an inconvenient time. This meaning is derived from the literal action of holding someone by their buttonhole on their coat to prevent them from leaving.
Crossword setters often use this clue to test your knowledge of synonyms for verbal persistence or physical detention. Understanding the nuances of "buttonhole" — that it's more than just a polite chat, but an insistent interaction — is key to finding the correct answer. The solutions provided above reflect this common interpretation, offering words that capture the essence of accosting, badgering, or waylaying someone.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Verbs of Action: For clues like 'buttonhole', think about the action being described. Is it physical, verbal, or both? This helps narrow down the type of word needed.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: If a word has multiple meanings, try to recall synonyms for each. Sometimes, a clue might even subtly hint at an antonym if it's phrased negatively.
- Check Letter Counts: Always pay close attention to the number of letters required. This is the most crucial piece of information for filtering potential answers.
- Use Contextual Clues: If other words in the puzzle intersect with your clue, those letters can provide invaluable hints, helping you confirm or rule out possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'buttonhole' mean in a crossword context?
In a crossword, 'buttonhole' typically refers to the act of detaining someone and engaging them in conversation, often against their will or for a prolonged period. Synonyms like 'accost,' 'badger,' or 'waylay' are common answers.
How can I find answers to difficult crossword clues like 'buttonhole'?
To solve tough clues, consider synonyms and alternative meanings of the word. Look at the letter count, and check for common crossword tropes related to the clue's concept. Using a crossword solver or dictionary for specific phrases can also help.
Are there common alternative meanings for 'buttonhole' in crosswords?
While 'detain for conversation' is the primary meaning, sometimes 'buttonhole' might refer to the actual buttonhole on clothing (a small slit). However, in action-verb clues, the conversational meaning is far more common.