catches crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "catches crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "catches crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NAB: To apprehend or seize quickly, often used for criminals. A very common crossword answer for 'catches'.
5 Letters
GRABS: To take hold of quickly or suddenly; also to get or obtain something.
NAILS: To catch someone, especially in the act; also to succeed perfectly at something, as in 'nailing the performance'.
6 Letters
SEIZES: To take hold of suddenly and forcibly; to grasp or apprehend.
9 Letters
OVERTAKES: To catch up with and pass something or someone.
More About "catches crossword clue"
The word "catches" is a highly versatile term, making it a favorite for crossword setters due to its multiple meanings. Depending on the context, "catches" can imply apprehending a person or object, acquiring an illness, understanding a concept, observing something, or even ensnaring. This polysemy means solvers must pay close attention to surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme to determine the intended meaning.
Common crossword interpretations of "catches" often revolve around synonyms for seizing or apprehending, like NAB, GRABS, or SEIZES. However, it can also refer to 'catching' a glimpse (SPOTS, SEES), 'catching' an illness (CONTRACTS), or 'catching' on to an idea (GRASPS, COMPREHENDS). Always consider the precise number of letters and any intersecting words you've already filled in to narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For words like "catches," think about its various dictionary definitions. Is it about physical capture, understanding, or something else entirely?
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most reliable guide. Use our list of answers by length to quickly find potential matches.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already-solved intersecting clues to eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the correct one.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Some words have go-to crossword answers. For "catches," words like NAB or GRABS are frequent repeat offenders.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can "catches" have so many different meanings in crosswords?
'Catches' is a highly versatile verb, and crossword setters exploit its many dictionary definitions. It can refer to apprehending (NAB, SEIZES), understanding (GRASPS), acquiring an illness (CONTRACTS), observing (SPOTS), or even ensnaring (TRAPS). The specific context of the puzzle, surrounding letters, and the answer's length are crucial clues.
What are common synonyms for 'catches' in puzzles?
Beyond the direct answers like NAB or GRABS, 'catches' can clue words like TRAPS, HOOKS, BAGS, GETS, FINDS, HEARS (as in 'catches a sound'), or even SIZES (as in 'catches on to the size of something'). Always consider the nuance of the clue.
Should I look for a specific number of letters when solving 'catches'?
No, 'catches' can yield answers of various lengths, from short words like NAB (3 letters) to longer ones like OVERTAKES (9 letters) or APPREHENDS (10 letters). It's more important to consider the cross-referenced letters from other clues and the specific meaning implied by the puzzle setter.