cagey crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "cagey". We provide answers organized by letter count to help you quickly solve your puzzle.
Solutions for "cagey crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Often implies being secretive or cunning in a subtle way.
4 Letters
WARY: Suggests being cautious and watchful, often with suspicion.
6 Letters
ARTFUL: Describes someone who is clever and skillful, especially in a cunning manner.
SHREWD: Refers to having sharp powers of judgment; astute, often implying a careful, calculating nature.
7 Letters
CUNNING: A direct synonym for cagey, involving skill in achieving goals by deceit or evasion.
8 Letters
DISCREET: Implies being careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage by not revealing too much.
More About "cagey crossword clue"
The word "cagey" implies a sense of caution, evasiveness, or shrewdness. When encountered in a crossword, it often requires you to think beyond just one direct synonym. Depending on the number of letters, the answer could lean towards a simple description of secretiveness (like SLY) or a more nuanced term describing strategic cunning (like ARTFUL or SHREWD).
Crossword setters love "cagey" because its meaning can stretch across various shades of meaning: from someone who is simply reserved to someone who is deliberately evasive or even cunning. Always consider the context of other solved letters in the puzzle, as these can provide vital clues to pinpointing the exact intended answer among multiple possibilities of the same length.
Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms like 'wary' (cautious), 'artful' (cleverly cunning), and 'discreet' (careful to avoid revealing) is key to mastering clues like "cagey."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of blanks. This immediately narrows down your options significantly for clues like "cagey" which have multiple synonyms.
- Think of Synonyms & Antonyms: For "cagey," brainstorm words related to being cautious, secretive, or clever. Sometimes, thinking of its opposite (e.g., open, naive) can also spark an idea.
- Use Cross-References: If you have surrounding letters filled in, try to fit possible answers into the existing pattern. This is often the most effective way to confirm the correct word.
- Look for Homophones & Puns: While "cagey" is fairly direct, some clues use wordplay. Always be alert to whether the clue might be hinting at a sound-alike word or a double meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "cagey" mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, "cagey" usually points to words related to being cautious, secretive, sly, artful, shrewd, or discreet. It often implies a cleverness in withholding information or acting evasively.
How can I find the right length answer for a "cagey" clue?
Look at the number of blanks provided in the crossword puzzle. Then, consider synonyms of "cagey" that match that specific letter count. Common lengths include 3 (SLY), 4 (WARY), 6 (ARTFUL, SHREWD), 7 (CUNNING), and 8 (DISCREET).
Are there common traps when solving "cagey" clues?
A common trap is to only think of one or two meanings. "Cagey" can range from simple secretiveness to sophisticated cunning or just plain caution. Always consider the surrounding letters if you have any, and think broadly about synonyms for 'cunning', 'secretive', 'cautious', or 'sly'.