close behind crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "close behind" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations, to help you complete your grid with ease. Whether you need a short or long answer, we've got you covered!
Solutions for "close behind crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ATHEELS: This answer comes from the idiom "right at one's heels," which means immediately following or very close behind someone.
TAILING: To tail someone means to follow closely, often secretly, keeping them under surveillance, thus being "close behind."
8 Letters
PURSUING: To pursue means to follow or chase someone or something. When you are pursuing, you are typically close behind with the intent to catch up or overtake.
10 Letters
ONTHEHEELS: An extended idiom, "on the heels of," which signifies that something happens immediately after or very close behind something else, often implying a quick succession or close proximity.
More About "close behind crossword clue"
The phrase "close behind" is a versatile clue in crosswords, often requiring solvers to think beyond simple synonyms and consider idiomatic expressions or actions. It can refer to physical proximity, as in following someone closely, or temporal proximity, indicating that one event happened immediately after another. Understanding this dual nature is key to unlocking the correct answer.
Common answers for "close behind" frequently involve words related to pursuit, following, or being in direct succession. Idioms like "at one's heels" or "on the heels of" are particularly popular choices in crossword puzzles, as they test a solver's knowledge of everyday language and figurative speech. Always consider the length provided by the puzzle, as this is your most important hint.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Idiomatically: Many "close behind" clues lead to answers that are common idioms rather than single descriptive words. When a straightforward synonym doesn't fit, explore phrases.
- Consider Context: Pay attention to the specific wording of the clue. Does it imply an action (like "following"), a state ("nearness"), or a temporal sequence ("immediately after")?
- Use Letter Count Wisely: The number of letters is your biggest clue. Eliminate answers that don't match the length and then brainstorm words or phrases that fit the remaining possibilities for "close behind."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find idiomatic crossword answers like 'close behind'?
For idiomatic clues, consider common phrases or expressions that convey the meaning. Think about synonyms for the literal words in the clue but also how they might be used in a figurative sense. Sometimes, solving crosswords involves understanding common idioms or phrasal verbs.
What's the difference between 'close behind' and 'nearby' in crosswords?
While 'nearby' implies general proximity, 'close behind' specifically suggests a trailing or following position. Answers for 'nearby' might include ADJACENT or VICINITY, whereas 'close behind' typically points to words like TAILING, PURSUING, or idiomatic phrases like ATHEELS or ONTHEHEELS.
Can 'close behind' refer to time instead of physical proximity?
Yes, absolutely! The phrase 'on the heels of' is often used to describe events happening in quick succession, meaning one event is 'close behind' another in time. Crossword clues frequently play on these dual meanings of proximity (physical or temporal).