crossword clue difficult problem – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "difficult problem", complete with explanations and tips to help you conquer your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue difficult problem" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KNOT: A challenging or entangled difficulty, often implying something hard to untangle.
6 Letters
PUZZLE: Something that is difficult to understand or explain, often presented as a game or test.
7 Letters
PROBLEM: A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.
DILEMMA: A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.
9 Letters
CONUNDRUM: A confusing and difficult problem or question, often in the form of a riddle.
More About "crossword clue difficult problem"
The clue "difficult problem" is a classic in crosswords, often testing a solver's vocabulary for synonyms that precisely fit the nuance required. It can refer to anything from a simple snag to a profound philosophical question. Understanding the context of the puzzle – whether it's a quick daily cryptic or a more elaborate Sunday challenge – can often guide you to the correct answer among several possibilities.
Words like PROBLEM, DILEMMA, and KNOT are frequent contenders, each bringing a slightly different shade of meaning to "difficult problem." A 'knot' implies entanglement, a 'dilemma' suggests a tough choice, while a 'problem' is a more general term for something needing a solution. Always consider the precise meaning of the synonyms that fit the letter count.
Sometimes, the "difficult problem" might be part of a larger phrase or an idiom. For example, a 'Gordian knot' is a famous idiom for an intricate problem. Paying attention to any indirect indicators or wordplay in the clue can be key to unlocking these trickier answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always verify the required number of letters. This is the most crucial filter for possible answers.
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For clues like "difficult problem," list all synonyms you can think of. Then, filter this list by the letter count.
- Consider Nuance: Different synonyms for "difficult problem" carry different connotations. Is it a choice (DILEMMA)? A tangle (KNOT)? A general issue (PROBLEM)? The specific wording of the clue might hint at this.
- Check Crossing Letters: The letters from intersecting words are invaluable. If you have a few letters, it dramatically narrows down the possibilities for "difficult problem."
- Look for Wordplay: In cryptic crosswords, "difficult problem" might be part of a pun, anagram, or other wordplay. Be open to less literal interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best answer for a crossword clue like 'difficult problem'?
Start by considering the number of letters required. Then, think about synonyms for 'difficult problem' that fit that length. Common answers include PROBLEM, DILEMMA, KNOT, or CONUNDRUM. Context from other solved clues in the puzzle can also narrow down possibilities.
Are there different types of 'difficult problems' in crosswords?
Yes, 'difficult problem' can refer to a challenge, a riddle, a predicament, or a complex issue. Crossword setters often use synonyms to test your vocabulary, so think broadly about words that represent a 'difficult problem' in various contexts.
What if none of the common answers for 'difficult problem' fit my puzzle?
If common answers don't fit, re-evaluate surrounding clues or consider if the clue has a more obscure or figurative meaning. Sometimes, a 'difficult problem' might be a specific type of problem, or a word that's a part of an idiom. Check the crossing letters for hints.