crossword clue idiom – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "crossword clue idiom," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by their letter count, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue idiom" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ADAGE: A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
6 Letters
SAYING: A well-known phrase or expression, often conveying a general truth or piece of advice.
PHRASE: A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, often with a figurative meaning.
CLICHE: An overused expression or idea, often originally an idiom that has lost its impact through overuse.
7 Letters
PROVERB: A short, popular saying that expresses a common truth or belief.
8 Letters
METAPHOR: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, often forming part of an idiom.
10 Letters
EXPRESSION: A word or phrase, especially one that is commonly used or characteristic of a particular group or language.
More About "crossword clue idiom"
Idioms are fascinating linguistic quirks that add color and nuance to language, but they can be particularly tricky in crossword puzzles. By definition, an idiom's meaning isn't obvious from the literal interpretation of its words. This non-literal nature is precisely what crossword constructors exploit, often using clever wordplay or misdirection in the clues to challenge solvers. Recognizing that a clue points to an idiom is often half the battle; the other half is recalling the specific phrase.
Many common idioms have found their way into crossword grids. Think of phrases like "break a leg," "spill the beans," or "bite the bullet." While these multi-word entries might seem daunting, they often appear in crosswords because they are widely recognized. The challenge lies in the clueing, which might describe the literal action (e.g., "Shatter a limb for good luck?" for "BREAK A LEG") or the figurative meaning (e.g., "Reveal a secret" for "SPILL THE BEANS"). Developing a keen eye for such linguistic twists is a key skill for any crossword enthusiast.
When you encounter a clue that feels a bit off, or too literal for its own good, consider if it might be hinting at an idiom. Crossword puzzles thrive on this kind of cleverness. Expanding your vocabulary of common idioms, both general and those specific to certain contexts (e.g., sports, business), can significantly improve your ability to tackle these types of clues and fill in those elusive blanks.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for figurative language: If a clue seems to describe an action literally but the word count suggests a phrase, it's often an idiom. Phrases like "figure of speech," "colloquialism," or "saying" are direct hints.
- Consider common usage: Many idioms are part of everyday conversation. Think about how people commonly express the idea hinted at by the clue, even if it seems illogical literally.
- Use intersecting letters: If you've filled in a few letters from crossing words, these can be crucial for narrowing down the possible idioms that fit. The structure of the answer can often reveal the idiom's common form.
- Consult resources for idioms: If you're particularly stuck, a quick search for "idioms related to [clue concept]" can sometimes unearth the exact phrase.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is an idiom in the context of a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, an idiom refers to a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its individual words. For example, 'kick the bucket' means to die, not literally to kick a bucket. Clues for idioms often hint at their figurative nature or common usage rather than a direct definition.
How can I identify a crossword clue pointing to an idiom?
Clues for idioms frequently use terms like 'figure of speech,' 'common saying,' 'figurative expression,' 'colloquialism,' or 'non-literal phrase.' They might also employ misdirection or wordplay that encourages you to think beyond the obvious dictionary definition of the words used in the clue, guiding you towards a metaphorical interpretation.
Are multi-word answers always idioms in crosswords?
Not necessarily. While many idioms are multi-word phrases, not all multi-word answers are idioms. They could be compound words (e.g., 'FOOTBALL'), proper nouns (e.g., 'NEW YORK'), or simple descriptive phrases. The defining characteristic of an idiom is its non-literal, often culturally specific, meaning that isn't simply the sum of its parts.