crossword clue flaps – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "flaps", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "crossword clue flaps" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EARS: The external parts of an animal's hearing organs, often long and floppy, which can move or 'flap'.
VANE: A device, often a weather vane, designed to move or 'flap' in the wind to indicate direction.
5 Letters
WINGS: Appendages used for flight by birds, bats, or insects, which are moved up and down or 'flapped'.
6 Letters
COVERS: Pieces of material designed to protect or enclose, often referring to flexible parts that can be lifted or 'flapped'.
More About "crossword clue flaps"
"Flaps" is a surprisingly versatile word in crosswords, often appearing as a noun, but occasionally as a verb. As a noun, it can refer to anatomical features like the large, mobile ears of an elephant or dog, giving us answers such as EARS. It can also denote mechanical parts, like the aerodynamic surfaces on an aircraft's wings (flaps) or the WINGS themselves of a bird or insect which 'flap' to achieve flight.
Beyond these common interpretations, "flaps" might also refer to a 'VANE' on a weathercock, which "flaps" or turns in the wind, or even less commonly, flexible 'COVERS' or panels on various objects. The key to solving "flaps" clues lies in considering the context provided by the surrounding words in the puzzle and the number of letters required for the answer.
Always consider both the literal and figurative meanings of 'flaps'. For instance, while EARS and WINGS are straightforward, a clever clue might hint at something like a 'flap' over a pocket, or a type of movement. A robust vocabulary and an understanding of wordplay are your best tools when encountering such multi-faceted clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Determine if "flaps" is used as a noun (e.g., parts that flap) or a verb (e.g., the act of flapping). This distinction is crucial for narrowing down potential answers.
- Consider Synonyms and Related Concepts: Think broadly about what "flaps" might imply: movement, appendages, covers, or even sounds. Brainstorm words associated with these concepts.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you already have from intersecting clues. This is often the most effective way to confirm or eliminate possible answers for a word like "flaps" that can have multiple meanings.
- Check Word Length: The exact number of letters needed is your most reliable guide. If you have several possibilities, the letter count will quickly eliminate incorrect ones.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'flaps' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'flaps' can refer to various things that move with a quick, light, slapping motion. This often includes anatomical parts like 'EARS' (especially floppy ones), or mechanical parts such as 'WINGS' of an aircraft or bird, or a 'VANE' that moves with the wind. The context of the puzzle and other intersecting words are crucial to determine the correct meaning.
How can I distinguish between similar answers for 'flaps'?
To distinguish between similar answers like 'EARS' and 'VANE' (both 4 letters), pay close attention to the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. Also, consider the specific nuance: 'EARS' implies an animal part, while 'VANE' relates to wind direction. Thinking about the common phrases associated with each word (e.g., 'floppy ears', 'weather vane') can also help.
Are there verb forms of 'flaps' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, 'flaps' can also be a verb, indicating the action of moving something up and down or back and forth rapidly. For example, a clue like 'Bird moves its wings' could lead to 'FLAPS' itself as an answer. Other verb-related answers might include 'WAVES' or 'BEATS'. Always consider the part of speech indicated by the clue or the required answer type.