crossword clue avoiding the issue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "crossword clue avoiding the issue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all the possible answers organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue avoiding the issue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
DODGING: To move quickly to avoid something or someone, often implies deliberately not confronting an issue or question.
EVADING: To escape or avoid (someone or something), especially by cunning or trickery. This directly applies to avoiding a topic or responsibility.
FUDGING: To present or deal with (something) in a vague, noncommittal, or dishonest way, often to conceal the truth or avoid making a clear decision on an issue.
8 Letters
SKIRTING: To go around or past the edge of something, or to avoid dealing with something directly and fully.
9 Letters
DITHERING: To be indecisive, often deliberately, to put off making a difficult decision or addressing a problem, thereby avoiding the issue.
More About "crossword clue avoiding the issue"
The phrase "avoiding the issue" captures a common human tendency to shy away from direct confrontation or difficult topics. In crosswords, clues related to this concept often test your vocabulary of synonyms for evasion, circumvention, or procrastination. These words can range from physical actions like "dodging" a question to more abstract states like "dithering" on a decision.
Understanding the subtle differences between words like "evading," "fudging," and "skirting" is key. While all imply avoiding, "evading" often suggests cunning, "fudging" implies vagueness or dishonesty, and "skirting" refers to addressing something indirectly. Crossword setters love to play on these nuances, making it essential to consider the exact context of the clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For clues about abstract actions like "avoiding," think about the specific way the action is performed. Is it through trickery, indecision, or indirectness?
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the letter count given in the puzzle to the potential answers. This is often the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Words indicating avoidance often share roots (e.g., evade, evasive) or common endings (-ing for present participles).
- Think of Idioms: Sometimes "avoiding the issue" could be part of a larger idiom. While less common for single-word answers, it's a good general strategy.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue like "avoiding the issue" challenging?
Clues like "avoiding the issue" are challenging because they often require understanding nuanced synonyms and metaphorical language. The answer isn't always a direct synonym but can be a word describing the act or consequence of avoidance, like 'fudging' or 'dithering'.
How can I find synonyms for abstract concepts in crosswords?
To find synonyms for abstract concepts, brainstorm related actions, emotions, or states. Consider the context implied by the clue. Using a good thesaurus can help, but also think about common idioms or phrases that describe the concept. For 'avoiding the issue', think about actions one takes to not confront something.
Are there common patterns for "avoiding" clues in crosswords?
Yes, clues involving 'avoiding' often lead to answers related to physical movement (DODGING, EVADING, SKIRTING), strategic inaction (DITHERING, STALLING), or deceptive communication (FUDGING, SIDESTEPPING). Recognizing these categories can help narrow down potential answers.