crossword clue case – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're grappling with the crossword clue "crossword clue case", you've landed on the ultimate resource. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Below, you'll find solutions categorized by their length, ensuring you find exactly what you need.
Solutions for "crossword clue case" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BOX: A small, often square or rectangular container, which can serve as a 'case' for holding items.
4 Letters
ETUI: A small ornamental case for items like needles or toiletries, a classic crossword answer for 'case'.
CASE: This is the most direct answer, referring to an instance, a container, or a legal proceeding.
7 Letters
EXAMPLE: A thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule, serving as a particular 'case'.
HOLSTER: A holder or 'case' for a handgun, typically made of leather, worn on a belt or under the arm.
8 Letters
SCENARIO: A projected sequence of events or a situation, often used synonymously with a particular 'case'.
INSTANCE: An example or single occurrence of something, directly relating to one meaning of 'case'.
ARGUMENT: A reason or set of reasons given to persuade, or the subject matter of a legal 'case' in court.
9 Letters
CONTAINER: A general term for an object used for holding or transporting things, encompassing the 'case' meaning as a vessel.
BRIEFCASE: A flat, rectangular case, typically made of leather, used for carrying documents, often associated with business or legal 'cases'.
SITUATION: A set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; a state of affairs, often interchangeable with 'case'.
More About "crossword clue case"
The word "case" is a fascinating and frequently encountered term in the world of crosswords, primarily due to its remarkable polysemy—the ability to have many different meanings. This versatility makes it a perfect candidate for clever wordplay and misdirection by puzzle setters. From a physical container to an abstract instance or a legal proceeding, understanding the various interpretations of "case" is key to unlocking many clues.
When you see "case" in a crossword, always consider its multiple facets. Is the clue hinting at a receptacle for holding items, such as a BOX for jewels, an ETUI for sewing notions, or a BRIEFCASE for documents? Or is it referring to a specific situation or occurrence, like an INSTANCE or a SCENARIO? The context provided by other words in the clue, and especially the number of letters in the answer, will be your most valuable guides.
Beyond its literal and common meanings, "case" can also refer to grammatical cases (nominative, accusative, etc.), or even the outer covering of something, like a pillowcase or the 'case' of a musical instrument. Expert solvers develop an intuition for which meaning is intended, often by running through a mental checklist of its most common crossword appearances. This broad spectrum of meaning ensures that "case" remains a staple in crosswords, challenging and delighting solvers alike.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: For a versatile clue like "case", the number of letters is your biggest hint. A 3-letter answer points to "BOX", while 9 letters might suggest "BRIEFCASE" or "CONTAINER".
- Consider All Meanings: Don't get fixated on just one meaning of "case". Quickly cycle through its common interpretations: container, instance, situation, legal matter, grammatical form, and so on.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Are there other words in the clue that hint at a specific type of case? For example, "Jewelry case" strongly suggests a container, whereas "Worst case ___" leans towards "SCENARIO".
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. This is often the most effective way to eliminate incorrect possibilities and pinpoint the exact answer.
- Think of Crosswordese: Some words, like ETUI, are disproportionately common in crosswords because they are short and have useful letter patterns, even if less common in everyday speech.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'case' typically refer to in crosswords?
'Case' is a highly versatile crossword clue. It can refer to a container (like BOX, ETUI, BRIEFCASE), an instance or example (like SCENARIO, INSTANCE), a legal proceeding (like TRIAL, ARGUMENT), or even a specific situation or condition.
Are there common pitfalls when solving 'case' clues?
The main pitfall is its ambiguity. Always consider the word length and any crossing letters to narrow down the possible meanings. Don't immediately assume it's a container; it could easily be an abstract 'instance' or 'scenario'.
How can I improve my ability to solve 'case' related clues?
Familiarize yourself with common crosswordese words for containers (like ETUI, CADDY). Also, practice associating 'case' with synonyms for 'instance' or 'situation'. Reading the full clue carefully for subtle hints is crucial.