crossword clue elude – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "elude" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue elude" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHUN: To intentionally avoid someone or something, often out of dislike or caution.
MISS: To fail to hit, reach, or find; to avoid by a narrow margin.
5 Letters
EVADE: To escape or avoid something, especially by cleverness or trickery.
AVOID: To keep away from or prevent something from happening; a common synonym for 'elude'.
DODGE: To avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement, or to evade a responsibility.
FENCE: To avoid committing oneself or to a clear answer, often used as 'to fence with a question'.
6 Letters
ESCAPE: To break free from confinement or control, or to successfully avoid an unpleasant situation.
BYPASS: To go around or avoid an obstacle, especially a problem or an area.
7 Letters
GETAWAY: An act of escaping or an escape, often implying a quick departure from a difficult situation.
10 Letters
CIRCUMVENT: To find a way around an obstacle or difficulty, often in a clever or surreptitious manner.
More About "crossword clue elude"
"Elude" is a common and versatile word in crosswords, often appearing as a clue for answers related to escaping, avoiding, or remaining hidden. The core meaning revolves around successfully getting away from something or someone, often with an element of cleverness or difficulty. In puzzles, you might see it clued straightforwardly with synonyms like "avoid" or "escape," but setters also enjoy using it in more nuanced ways, such as "fail to be grasped by" or "dodge responsibility."
Understanding the various shades of meaning for "elude" can significantly help in solving. For instance, while "escape" might imply physical freedom, "elude" can also refer to concepts being hard to understand (e.g., "the meaning eluded him"). This dual nature allows for a wide range of potential answers, from simple verbs like "shun" to more complex ones like "circumvent," depending on the letter count and context provided by crossing words.
When you encounter "elude" in a crossword, always consider the possibility of a verb, but also be open to nouns (like "getaway" as an act of eluding) or even adjectives (less common, but possible in cryptic clues). The key is to match the number of letters and the implied tone or context of the clue to find the perfect fit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms: The most direct path to solving "elude" is often through its synonyms. Brainstorm words like "avoid," "escape," "evade," "dodge," "shun," "flee," and "sidestep."
- Check Letter Count: After considering synonyms, pay close attention to the number of letters required. This is your primary filter. For example, "AVOID" (5 letters) or "ESCAPE" (6 letters) are very common.
- Look at Crossing Letters: Never try to solve a clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They will quickly confirm or deny your educated guesses and help you pinpoint the exact word.
- Consider Nuance and Context: Some clues might hint at a specific type of eluding. Is it a physical escape? An avoidance of responsibility? A failure to be understood? The context can guide you to the most precise answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'elude' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'elude' generally refers to escaping, avoiding, or dodging something or someone. Clues often point to synonyms like 'evade', 'avoid', 'shun', or phrases implying a clever escape or non-encounter.
How can I identify 'elude' answers in a puzzle?
Look for clues that suggest getting away, sidestepping, or being hard to catch. Pay attention to the number of letters; common lengths for 'elude' synonyms include 4, 5, and 6 letters. Check crossing letters to narrow down possibilities from words like AVOID, EVADE, ESCAPE, or SHUN.
Are there common tricky uses of 'elude' in crossword clues?
Yes, 'elude' can be clued metaphorically, such as 'fail to be understood by' or 'fail to be achieved by'. For example, 'success might elude them' could lead to answers related to 'missing out' or 'failing'. Always consider both literal and figurative meanings, and the tense of the verb.