cause of ruin crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "cause of ruin crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "cause of ruin crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BANE: Something that causes great distress or annoyance; a source of persistent trouble or destruction.
7 Letters
SCOURGE: A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering; a widespread evil or affliction.
NEMESIS: The inescapable agent of someone's or something's downfall; a formidable and usually victorious opponent.
8 Letters
DOWNFALL: A sudden loss of power, status, or success; a collapse or ruin.
More About "cause of ruin crossword clue"
The clue "cause of ruin" points to a concept that has intrigued humanity throughout history, reflecting on the forces or agents that lead to destruction, collapse, or undoing. In crosswords, this often translates to words that embody the essence of a destructive influence, whether it's a personal flaw, an external force, or an inevitable outcome. Understanding the various nuances of 'ruin' can help unlock the answer.
Words like BANE and SCOURGE often refer to a persistent, detrimental influence or a widespread affliction. A NEMESIS, while a cause of ruin, implies a specific, often personal, adversary or a just punishment leading to one's undoing. DOWNFALL directly describes the act or state of ruin itself, often referring to a loss of status or power. Recognizing these subtle distinctions is key to choosing the correct answer based on the available letters and intersecting clues in your puzzle.
These terms are frequently used in literature, history, and everyday conversation to describe events or entities that lead to significant, negative consequences. When encountering such a clue, consider both literal and metaphorical causes of destruction to find the perfect fit for your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For clues like "cause of ruin," think about words that mean the opposite (e.g., 'savior,' 'builder') to sometimes deduce the intended answer, or simply explore a wide range of synonyms for 'ruin.'
- Look at word length and intersecting letters: Always check the number of letters required and any letters already filled in from intersecting clues. This is the most critical step to narrow down possibilities.
- Think about context: Is the puzzle a themed one? Does the clue imply a historical, literary, or more general context? This can guide your word choice.
- Explore different parts of speech: While "cause of ruin" suggests a noun, sometimes the answer might be a verb or adjective if the phrasing allows for a less direct interpretation.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to approach a 'cause of ruin' crossword clue?
Consider synonyms for destruction, disaster, and downfall. Also, think about agents or forces that bring about such outcomes. Common crossword answers include words like BANE, SCOURGE, and NEMESIS.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers of different lengths?
Crossword constructors often use clues that can be interpreted in various ways, leading to multiple valid synonyms or related terms. The specific word length required by the grid helps narrow down the possibilities for the solver.
How can I improve my vocabulary for abstract clues like 'cause of ruin'?
Reading widely, using a thesaurus, and consistently solving crosswords will naturally expand your vocabulary, especially for abstract concepts. Pay attention to nuanced meanings and common word associations.