crossword clue chime – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your definitive source for solving challenging crossword clues. If you're looking for answers to "crossword clue chime", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue chime" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BELL: A hollow, cup-shaped metallic instrument, typically with a clapper, producing a resonant sound when struck.
RING: To make a clear, resonant sound, like a bell or a telephone.
PEAL: A loud, clear sound or succession of sounds, typically of bells.
6 Letters
JINGLE: A light, ringing sound, as of small bells or coins striking together.
TINKLE: A light, clear ringing sound, often high-pitched.
More About "crossword clue chime"
The word "chime" can be a deceptively simple clue in crosswords, often hinting at more than just a bell. As a verb, it means to make a sound, typically a melodic one, often associated with a set of bells or tubes, as in church bells marking the hour or the gentle sound of wind chimes. As a noun, "a chime" refers to the sound itself or the instrument producing it.
In crossword puzzles, "chime" can lead to various answers depending on the context and the required letter count. Common answers revolve around synonyms for bell sounds like RING, PEAL, or TOLL. However, it can also lead to more specific sound descriptors like JINGLE or TINKLE. Understanding the nuance of the clue – whether it refers to a single strike, a continuous sound, or a specific type of instrument – is key to finding the correct solution.
Beyond its literal sense, "chime" is also used idiomatically, as in "chime in" (to interrupt a conversation or add one's opinion) or "chime with" (to agree or harmonize with something). Savvy crossword setters might use these less obvious meanings to challenge solvers, so always consider the broader semantic field of the word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For a clue like "chime", think of all words that mean a similar sound or action. BELL, RING, PEAL, TOLL, DING, GONG are all related and common crossword answers.
- Analyze the Context: Does the clue imply a noun (the sound/instrument) or a verb (to make the sound)? The surrounding words in the clue can often give hints about the part of speech.
- Check Letter Count: Use the given number of letters as your primary filter. If you're looking for a 4-letter word, you can immediately rule out longer or shorter options, narrowing down your choices significantly.
- Think of Idioms: For words with common idiomatic uses (like "chime in"), consider if the clue is pointing to a phrase rather than the literal meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'chime' and 'ring' in crosswords?
While both 'chime' and 'ring' refer to sounding a bell, 'chime' often suggests a more melodic, sequential, or harmonious sound, often from multiple bells or tubes (like church bells or wind chimes). 'Ring' is broader and can refer to a single, often more abrupt sound from one bell (like a doorbell or telephone).
How do crossword setters typically use the word 'chime'?
Crossword setters use 'chime' in its literal sense (as a sound or to make a sound) or as part of common phrases. For instance, 'chime in' (to interject an opinion) or 'chime with' (to be in agreement or harmony with something) are popular choices for clues.
Can 'chime' refer to something other than bells in a crossword?
Yes, while most commonly associated with bells or clock chimes, 'chime' can also refer to the sound of certain musical instruments (like tubular bells or glockenspiel) or even be used metaphorically, as in 'chime in' meaning to join a conversation or 'chime with' meaning to align or agree.