crossword clue hide – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword clue hide," you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue hide" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MASK: To cover or disguise something to keep it from being seen.
LURK: To remain in a place secretly, typically with sinister or furtive intent.
SKIN: The natural outer covering of an animal (as in, an animal hide).
5 Letters
COVER: To place something over or in front of an object to conceal it or keep it from view.
6 Letters
SECRET: To keep information private or concealed, as in to 'hide a secret'.
COVERT: Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret or hidden.
7 Letters
CONCEAL: To prevent from being seen or discovered; to keep out of sight.
SECLUDE: To keep (someone) in isolation or apart from others; to hide away.
8 Letters
ENSCONCE: To establish or settle (someone) in a comfortable, safe, or secret place.
More About "crossword clue hide"
The word "hide" is wonderfully versatile, making it a favorite for crossword setters. Its primary meanings as a verb—to put or keep out of sight—and as a noun—the skin of an animal—offer a rich variety of potential answers. When you encounter "hide" as a clue, the first step is always to consider whether the setter is leaning towards its active sense (concealing something) or its passive/material sense (the animal product).
Beyond the literal, "hide" can also imply obfuscation, privacy, or even an act of self-preservation. This nuance means that answers can range from straightforward synonyms like CONCEAL or COVER, to more descriptive terms like LURK or ENSCONCE. Cryptic crosswords might even use "hide" to indicate a hidden word or a word being obscured within the clue itself, adding another layer of challenge and fun.
Always pay close attention to the number of letters and any intersecting words you already have. These are crucial guides in determining which meaning of "hide" the puzzle requires and which specific synonym will fit perfectly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For words like "hide," always brainstorm both the verb and noun forms, and any idiomatic uses.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most powerful constraint. It immediately rules out many possibilities.
- Look at Crossings: Letters you've already filled in from intersecting words are invaluable. They confirm or deny potential answers quickly.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym doesn't fit, think of words with similar concepts or even antonyms if the clue is asking for the opposite.
- Analyze Clue Structure: Is it a quick clue, a cryptic clue, or a specific type of wordplay? Understanding the clue type helps unlock the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common answer for 'hide' in crosswords?
While 'hide' can have several answers, 'CONCEAL' is a very common and direct synonym often used. 'COVER' and 'MASK' are also frequently encountered, especially for shorter solutions.
How do I know if 'hide' refers to a verb or a noun in a crossword?
The context of the crossword clue often provides hints. If the clue is phrased as an action (e.g., 'put out of sight'), it's likely a verb. If it hints at material or part of an animal (e.g., 'animal pelt', 'leather source'), it's probably the noun. The length of the answer can also be a clue, as noun answers like 'SKIN' are typically shorter than verb answers like 'CONCEAL'.
Are there any common misinterpretations for 'hide' that I should avoid?
A common pitfall is to immediately think of 'animal hide' when the clue is actually looking for a verb like 'conceal'. Always consider both meanings until other crossing letters narrow down the possibilities. Also, be aware of cryptic clues where 'hide' might be part of a wordplay, suggesting letters are 'hidden' within the clue itself.