colander crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "colander," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "colander crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SIEVE: A common kitchen utensil with a mesh bottom used for sifting or straining, very similar in function to a colander.
6 Letters
RIDDLE: While more commonly known as a question, "riddle" can also refer to a large, coarse sieve used for sifting materials like gravel or grain.
8 Letters
STRAINER: A widely used kitchen tool, often cone-shaped or bowl-shaped with perforations, specifically designed for separating solids from liquids.
More About "colander crossword clue"
Colanders are essential kitchen tools, primarily used for draining liquids from food, such as pasta, vegetables, or rice. Their perforated design allows water to pass through while retaining the solids. This fundamental function is often what crossword setters will focus on when crafting clues related to a colander.
In crossword puzzles, clues related to kitchen items often test vocabulary around common household objects and their synonyms or functions. "Colander" might be clued directly, or indirectly through its purpose ("Pasta drainer," "Perforated bowl"), or through common synonyms like "sieve" or "strainer." Occasionally, a more obscure synonym like "riddle" (referring to a coarse sieve) might appear in more challenging or older puzzles.
Understanding the primary function and variations of a colander can help decipher these clues. When you see a clue that hints at draining, separating, or a specific food type often associated with colanders, consider these possible answers first.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Function, Not Just Object: For clues like "colander," consider what the item does. It drains, it separates. Are there other words for "draining" or "separating" that fit the letter count?
- Consider Synonyms: Colander's closest and most common crossword synonyms are "sieve" and "strainer." Always think of words that mean the same or nearly the same thing as the clue word.
- Check Letter Count Rigorously: Once you have a potential answer, always double-check its exact length against the number of spaces provided in the crossword grid. This is a crucial step to confirm your guess and avoid wasted time.
- Context is Key: If the clue includes other words (e.g., "Kitchen colander" or "Metal colander"), those words might provide extra context to narrow down the possible answers or suggest a more specific term.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of a colander?
A colander is primarily used in the kitchen to drain liquids from solid foods, such as pasta after cooking, washed vegetables, or rinsed fruits, while retaining the food itself.
Are a colander and a sieve the same thing?
While often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference. A colander typically has larger holes and is used for draining larger items, whereas a sieve (or sifter) usually has finer mesh and is used for sifting dry ingredients (like flour) or straining smaller particles. However, in crosswords, "sieve" is a very common answer for "colander" clues due to their similar draining function.
How can I identify a "colander" clue in a crossword?
Look for clues related to "draining," "straining," "kitchenware," "pasta," "perforated bowl," or similar functions. Sometimes the clue might be a synonym like "sieve" or "strainer" directly. Always consider the number of letters to fit the grid, as this is a crucial hint.