crossword clue fire – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on a crossword clue involving "fire", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "crossword clue fire" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BLAZE: A large and often intense fire.
FLAME: The visible, gaseous part of a fire.
EMBER: A glowing piece of coal or wood, typically one remaining from a fire.
SHOOT: To discharge a weapon, as in 'fire a gun'.
6 Letters
IGNITE: To set on fire or cause to catch fire.
7 Letters
INFERNO: A large, destructive fire.
DISMISS: To terminate the employment of someone, as in 'fire an employee'.
PASSION: Intense enthusiasm or excitement, as in 'fire in one's belly'.
More About "crossword clue fire"
"Fire" is a wonderfully versatile word for crossword setters due to its multiple meanings and common idioms. It can refer to the element of combustion, as in a camp fire or a house fire, leading to answers like BLAZE or FLAME. However, it also commonly refers to the act of discharging a weapon, as in 'fire a gun', which points to answers like SHOOT.
Beyond the literal and action-oriented meanings, "fire" can also denote intensity or passion, as in having 'fire in one's belly' or a 'fiery spirit', often leading to answers like ARDOR or PASSION. Moreover, in a corporate context, to 'fire' someone means to dismiss them from employment, hence DISMISS as a valid solution. This rich semantic field makes "fire" a popular and often tricky clue, requiring solvers to consider context carefully.
Always pay close attention to any accompanying words or phrases in the clue that might narrow down the specific meaning of "fire" being used. This could be a descriptor of the fire itself, an action verb, or a hint towards an idiomatic expression.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "fire," many words have multiple dictionary definitions. Always mentally cycle through all possible meanings of the clue word before settling on an answer.
- Check letter count: The number of letters in the answer is your absolute best friend. If you have several possible words, the letter count will quickly eliminate incorrect options.
- Look at intersecting letters: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to confirm or deny potential answers. This is often the fastest way to confirm a solution.
- Think of synonyms and antonyms: Sometimes the clue isn't direct. Consider common synonyms or even antonyms that might fit the context and letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'fire' have so many different crossword answers?
The word 'fire' is polysemous, meaning it has multiple meanings. In crosswords, this allows for clues to refer to actual combustion (e.g., BLAZE, FLAME), the act of shooting (SHOOT), the act of dismissing someone (DISMISS), or even intense emotion (PASSION). Crossword setters often exploit these different meanings to create challenging yet fair clues.
How do I determine the correct 'fire' answer if I have multiple options?
Look at the number of letters required for the answer, as well as any intersecting letters from other solved clues. Also, consider the specific context or wordplay in the clue itself. For example, if the clue is 'Dismiss an employee', the answer is likely 'DISMISS', not 'FLAME'.
Are there common synonyms for 'fire' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include BLAZE, FLAME, INFERNO for the combustion meaning. For other meanings, words like SHOOT (for guns), DISMISS (for employment), or ARDOR (for passion) are often used as answers for 'fire'-related clues. Always consider the precise nuance the setter intends.