come to nothing crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're pondering the clue "come to nothing," you've arrived at the perfect place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "come to nothing crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FAIL: To not succeed in achieving a desired objective or outcome.
FLOP: To be a complete failure; to fail utterly, often in a spectacular way.
6 Letters
WITHER: To lose force or vigor; to decline or decay, often referring to hopes or plans.
8 Letters
MISCARRY: To fail to achieve an intended aim or result; to go wrong or be unsuccessful.
BACKFIRE: (Of a plan or action) to have an unintended and unwelcome result that is the opposite of what was intended.
COLLAPSE: To fail or come to nothing abruptly; to fall apart or cease to function successfully.
More About "come to nothing crossword clue"
The phrase "come to nothing" implies a lack of success, a failure to materialize, or an effort that yields no valuable outcome. In crosswords, clues like this often test your vocabulary for synonyms related to failure, futility, and non-achievement. The context can sometimes hint at whether the failure is sudden or gradual, complete or partial.
This type of clue is quite common and can appear in various forms, pushing solvers to think beyond the most obvious answer. For instance, it might refer to a project that fizzled out, a hope that was dashed, or a negotiation that broke down. The key is to consider words that universally convey the sense of an endeavor ending without success or a desired result.
Understanding the nuances of such phrases is crucial for advanced crossword solving. It’s not just about knowing direct synonyms but also about recognizing idiomatic expressions and their equivalent single-word answers that fit the grid and the specific number of letters.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms for failure: When you see clues like "come to nothing," immediately think of words that mean fail, cease, end, or be futile. Brainstorming a range of options can often reveal the correct answer.
- Check letter count early: Knowing the exact number of letters needed for the answer is your most powerful tool. Use it to filter out words that are too long or too short from your list of potential synonyms.
- Look for verb tense and person: Pay close attention to whether the clue implies a past, present, or future action, or if it's a noun. This can narrow down your options significantly for words like "fail" (verb) vs. "failure" (noun).
- Think of idioms: Some crossword setters might use idiomatic expressions that have single-word answers. "Come to nothing" itself is an idiom, and its solutions are often concise verbs or nouns.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "come to nothing" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "come to nothing" typically refers to a plan, effort, or venture that fails, yields no results, or is rendered useless. Clues often seek synonyms for failure, futility, or collapse, fitting various word lengths.
How do you approach crossword clues related to failure or futility?
When encountering clues about failure, consider words that imply lack of success, breakdown, or unfulfillment. Think about synonyms for verbs like 'fail,' 'stop,' 'end,' or adjectives like 'futile,' 'useless.' Always cross-reference with the number of letters required for the answer.
Are there common synonyms for 'fail' used in crosswords?
Yes, common crossword synonyms for 'fail' or 'come to nothing' include: FAIL, FLOP, MISCARRY, COLLAPSE, ABORT, WITHER, CRUMBLE, and sometimes even shorter words like END or DIE (in a figurative sense), depending on the clue's nuance.