crossword clue delay – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "delay", organized by letter count, ensuring you can quickly find the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue delay" by Letter Count
3 Letters
LAG: To fall behind or slow down, often used for a brief pause.
4 Letters
WAIT: To stay in a state of readiness for something to happen.
5 Letters
DEFER: To put off an action or event to a later time; postpone.
STALL: To deliberately cause a delay, or to stop making progress.
6 Letters
LINGER: To stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave.
RETARD: To delay or hold back in terms of progress or development.
7 Letters
ADJOURN: To break off (a meeting, legal case, or game) with the intention of resuming it later.
8 Letters
POSTPONE: To cause or arrange for (something) to take place at a time later than that first scheduled.
10 Letters
RESCHEDULE: To change the time or date of (a planned event), effectively causing a delay from the original time.
More About "crossword clue delay"
The term "delay" is a versatile concept in crosswords, often appearing in various contexts to challenge solvers. It can refer to physical slowing down, as in a traffic "lag," or the postponement of an event, such as to "defer" a decision. Understanding the nuances of these synonyms is crucial for selecting the correct answer from the grid.
Crossword setters frequently use "delay" to imply a waiting period, a temporary halt, or a complete rescheduling. The clue might be direct, or it could use more cryptic phrasing requiring you to think about actions that lead to a delay, like "mark time" or "kill time." Always consider whether the clue is looking for a noun (the delay itself) or a verb (the act of delaying).
By exploring the different synonyms and their specific usages, you not only solve the current puzzle but also build a stronger vocabulary for future challenges. This page aims to provide you with all the common and some less common solutions associated with "delay," helping you complete your crossword with confidence.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always read the full clue carefully. Does "delay" refer to a short pause, a long postponement, or an action? The surrounding words in the clue can provide vital context.
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a potential answer in mind, immediately check if its letter count matches the space available in your crossword grid. This is the fastest way to eliminate incorrect possibilities.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is the clue looking for a noun (e.g., "a delay") or a verb (e.g., "to delay")? Many words like "stall" or "wait" can function as both, but the clue's phrasing will guide you.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Words related to delay often use prefixes like "post-" (postpone), "re-" (reschedule), or "ad-" (adjourn). Keep an eye out for these patterns.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "delay" often imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "delay" can refer to physical slowing down, postponing an event, or simply waiting. Clues might use synonyms like "hold up," "prolong," "put off," or "stall." The context of the surrounding words and the specific phrasing of the clue are crucial for identifying the correct answer.
How can I tell which synonym for "delay" is the correct answer?
To pinpoint the correct answer for a "delay" clue, consider several factors: the number of letters needed for the solution, any completed letters already in the grid, and the precise nuance of the clue. For instance, a clue like "delay a meeting" strongly suggests ADJOURN, while "brief delay" might point to LAG or PAUSE. Paying attention to whether the clue implies a verb or a noun can also narrow down possibilities.
Are there common traps related to "delay" clues?
Yes, common traps include homographs – words spelled the same but with different meanings (e.g., "hold" can mean to delay, but also to grasp something). Always verify if the clue suggests a noun (e.g., "a delay") or a verb (e.g., "to delay"), as this affects the appropriate synonym. Also, be mindful of phrases that seem to imply delay but have a more specific, non-synonymous answer.