crossword clue hanging around – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "hanging around," you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive solutions across various word lengths, complete with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle and enhance your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue hanging around" by Letter Count
6 Letters
IDLING: Spending time doing nothing in particular, or moving slowly without purpose.
AROUND: In the vicinity; present or active.
7 Letters
WAITING: Staying in one place until an expected event happens, or for someone to arrive or something to happen.
8 Letters
DAWDLING: Wasting time; being slow.
9 Letters
LOITERING: Spending time idly; standing or waiting around without apparent purpose.
LINGERING: Staying in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.
More About "crossword clue hanging around"
"Hanging around" is a versatile phrase that often appears in crosswords to denote a state of idleness, waiting, or simply being present without a specific activity. Clues using this phrase typically look for synonyms related to dilly-dallying, lounging, or being in a general vicinity. Recognizing the subtle nuances of the clue can help you distinguish between words like LOITERING (often implies a lack of purpose or even negative connotation) and WAITING (which implies an expected event).
The beauty of crossword clues lies in their ability to draw on multiple interpretations of common phrases. "Hanging around" can be literal (like AROUND or ABOUT), or more descriptive of an action (like IDLING or LINGERING). Always consider the context of the puzzle, the setter's style, and the other words in the clue to pinpoint the exact meaning intended.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always verify the exact number of letters in your potential answer against the required length in the grid. This is often the quickest way to eliminate possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For phrases like "hanging around," brainstorm a wide range of synonyms. Also, think about what the opposite might be, as sometimes setters use subtle misdirection.
- Look for Homophones and Puns: Crossword setters love wordplay. "Hanging around" might not just mean literally idly waiting, but could be part of a pun or a phrase that sounds like another word.
- Use Cross-References: The most powerful tool in any crossword is the intersection of words. Use letters from solved clues to fill in blanks for "hanging around" and confirm your choice.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "hanging around" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "hanging around" often implies loitering, waiting, idling, or simply being in the vicinity of something or someone. It suggests a lack of immediate purpose or a state of waiting.
Are there common synonyms for "hanging around" in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include LOITERING, LINGERING, IDLING, DAWDLING, WAITING, and sometimes more literal interpretations like "ABOUT" or "AROUND" depending on the clue's nuance.
How can I narrow down answers for clues like "hanging around"?
Always check the number of letters required for the answer. Pay attention to any specific context or additional words in the clue that might hint at a more precise synonym. The letters you already have filled in the grid are your most valuable clues for confirming the answer.