clumsy or difficult crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "clumsy or difficult", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find the most common solutions, complete with explanations to help you understand why they fit.
Solutions for "clumsy or difficult crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
KNOTTY: Typically used for problems, questions, or issues that are intricate, complicated, and hard to resolve or understand, thus difficult.
7 Letters
AWKWARD: This term implies a lack of grace or ease in movement, often leading to a sense of difficulty or discomfort in a situation.
10 Letters
CUMBERSOME: Describes something that is large, heavy, or unwieldy, making it difficult to handle, carry, or manage. It often implies a practical difficulty.
More About "clumsy or difficult crossword clue"
Crossword clues that combine two distinct but related concepts, like "clumsy" and "difficult," are a common challenge for solvers. The key is often to find a word that encapsulates both meanings, or at least one that can apply in contexts that bridge the two ideas. For instance, something "awkward" can be clumsy in movement, but an "awkward" situation can also be difficult to navigate socially.
These clues test your vocabulary breadth and your ability to think synonymously across different dimensions of meaning. While "clumsy" might initially evoke physical ungainliness, and "difficult" mental or practical hardship, there are many scenarios where these concepts overlap. Always consider the context of the puzzle, any thematic elements, and especially the letter count provided to narrow down the possibilities effectively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms for Each Word: When faced with a clue like "clumsy or difficult," list out all the synonyms you can think of for "clumsy" and separately for "difficult." Then, look for words that appear on both lists or have strong connotations of both.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: The most reliable way to confirm an answer in crosswords is through intersecting letters from already solved clues. If you have an answer in mind, check if its letters align with the gaps in other words.
- Consider Nuance and Context: Some answers might be more about physical clumsiness, while others might relate to the difficulty of a task or social situation. Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to use less common synonyms or words that have multiple meanings. Don't limit yourself to the first few words that come to mind.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are "clumsy" and "difficult" often combined in crossword clues?
Crossword setters often combine seemingly disparate synonyms to make clues more challenging and to broaden the scope of potential answers. Words like 'AWKWARD' can bridge both concepts, referring to something that is physically clumsy or a situation that is socially difficult. This forces solvers to think more broadly about the nuances of language.
How do I distinguish between similar answers like AWKWARD and CLUNKY?
The key is to consider the exact shade of meaning and the context provided by other clues or the puzzle's theme. 'AWKWARD' often implies a lack of grace or ease, while 'CLUNKY' more specifically suggests a heavy, crude, or unwieldy quality. Pay attention to the letter count and intersecting letters, which often act as definitive guides.
What's a good strategy for multi-faceted crossword clues?
For clues with multiple descriptive words, like 'clumsy or difficult', try to brainstorm synonyms for each word independently. Then, look for words that appear on both lists or encompass both meanings. Also, consider if one part of the clue might be a red herring, or if the answer is a less common synonym that perfectly fits both descriptions. Always check the letter count and cross-references.