clearing up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "clearing up crossword clue" and need a hand, you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions with detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle and enhance your wordplay skills.
Solutions for "clearing up crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SOLVE: To find an answer to, or explanation for a problem, a common action for 'clearing up' a mystery or dilemma.
6 Letters
DECODE: To convert a coded message into intelligible language, thereby 'clearing up' its meaning or mystery.
7 Letters
CLARIFY: To make something easier to understand, directly matching the 'clearing up' in terms of comprehension.
RESOLVE: To find a solution to a problem or dispute, which implies 'clearing up' a difficult situation or conflict.
TIDYING: The act of putting things in order or cleaning up, a physical interpretation of 'clearing up' a mess.
More About "clearing up crossword clue"
The phrase "clearing up" is a versatile one, making it a favorite for crossword setters looking to challenge solvers. It can refer to making something comprehensible (as in "clearing up a misunderstanding"), resolving a problem or dispute (as in "clearing up the issue"), or even physically organizing or tidying a space (as in "clearing up the desk"). This multi-faceted nature means that when you encounter this clue, you must consider the various contexts it could apply to.
Often, the surrounding clues or the theme of the crossword puzzle will give you hints as to which interpretation is intended. For instance, if other clues relate to communication or understanding, you might lean towards answers like CLARIFY or EXPLAIN. If the puzzle has a more domestic or organizational theme, TIDYING or ORGANIZING might be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances is key to cracking such clues effectively.
Beyond literal meanings, "clearing up" can also imply a sense of completion or resolution, where a situation becomes final or settled. This breadth of meaning is what makes crosswords so engaging, requiring solvers to think broadly and flexibly about language.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For clues like "clearing up," always brainstorm all possible interpretations—literal, metaphorical, and idiomatic. Does it mean making clear, resolving, or cleaning?
- Check Letter Count First: Once you have a few potential answers in mind, compare their letter counts to the grid. This is often the quickest way to eliminate incorrect options and focus your efforts.
- Use Crossing Letters: Never underestimate the power of crossing letters. If you have one or two letters from intersecting words, they can significantly narrow down the possibilities for "clearing up" answers.
- Think About Context: Pay attention to the puzzle's theme or other clues. Sometimes, a general theme (e.g., legal terms, household chores, mental processes) can provide vital clues to the specific meaning intended for "clearing up."
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of synonyms for "clearing up" and also consider its opposite. Sometimes a clue is a double negative or implies the reverse.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'clearing up' mean in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, 'clearing up' can have several meanings, often depending on the context of the puzzle or the wordplay. It commonly refers to making something understandable (like 'clarify' or 'explain'), resolving a problem (like 'solve' or 'resolve'), or tidying a physical space (like 'tidy' or 'clean'). Always consider if the clue points to a mental, physical, or abstract 'clearing up'.
How do I find the right length for 'clearing up' clues?
The length of the answer is crucial in crosswords. After considering potential meanings for 'clearing up' (e.g., clarify, resolve, tidy, explain), match your brainstormed words to the available letter count in the grid. If you have crossing letters, use them as further constraints to narrow down the possibilities. Don't forget that clues can sometimes be cryptic or refer to idiomatic expressions, so a word might not be an exact synonym but rather a result of wordplay.
Are there common synonyms for 'clearing up' in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms or related concepts for 'clearing up' that appear in crosswords include 'explain', 'resolve', 'decipher', 'unravel', 'settle', 'clarify', 'organize', and 'tidy'. The exact answer will depend on the puzzle setter's intention and the specific wordplay involved. Always think about both literal and metaphorical interpretations.