crossword clue metal – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "metal", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide your puzzling journey.
Solutions for "crossword clue metal" by Letter Count
3 Letters
TIN: A soft, silvery-white metal, often used in solder and plating.
4 Letters
IRON: A strong, common magnetic metal, essential for construction and machinery.
GOLD: A precious, yellow, highly malleable and non-corrosive metal, valued for jewelry and currency.
LEAD: A heavy, soft, gray metal, historically used but now less common due to its toxicity.
5 Letters
STEEL: An alloy primarily of iron and carbon, known for its high strength and widespread use in construction.
BRASS: An alloy of copper and zinc, recognized for its golden appearance and use in musical instruments.
6 Letters
COPPER: A reddish-brown, highly conductive metal, extensively used in electrical wiring and plumbing.
SILVER: A lustrous, white, precious metal, prized for jewelry, coinage, and its excellent electrical conductivity.
8 Letters
ALUMINUM: A lightweight, silvery-white metal, highly resistant to corrosion and widely used in aircraft and cans.
More About "crossword clue metal"
The clue "metal" is a frequent visitor to crossword puzzles, appearing in various forms from direct single-word clues to more descriptive phrases. The answers can range from common elemental metals like IRON or COPPER to precious ones like GOLD and SILVER, and even alloys such as STEEL or BRASS. Crossword setters love these clues because they offer a wide array of possible answers across different lengths, making them versatile for fitting into grid structures.
When encountering "metal" as a clue, consider the number of letters first, as this significantly narrows down the possibilities. Then, think about common associations: is it a precious metal, a common construction material, or something used in electronics? The simplicity of the clue often hides a broad spectrum of potential solutions, requiring puzzlers to think broadly about the category.
Understanding the common metals and their characteristics (e.g., color, properties, uses) can be incredibly helpful. For instance, a clue mentioning "yellow metal" almost certainly points to GOLD, while "reddish element" might lead to COPPER. Recognizing these subtle hints can make solving these common yet sometimes tricky clues much faster.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always check the intersecting letters first. Even a single known letter can drastically reduce the number of possible answers for "metal."
- Consider Alloys: Remember that clues for "metal" aren't always pure elements. Alloys like STEEL and BRASS are very common answers, so keep them in mind for different letter counts.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While IRON or GOLD are common, sometimes a less common metal like TIN or LEAD might be the correct answer, especially for shorter word lengths.
- Check for Specific Properties: If the clue includes an adjective (e.g., "heavy metal," "light metal," "precious metal"), use that to guide your choice among the various metals.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common metals clued in crosswords?
Common metals often featured in crosswords include IRON, GOLD, TIN, LEAD, COPPER, and SILVER due to their short lengths or common cultural associations. Alloys like STEEL and BRASS also frequently appear.
How can I identify a metal-related clue without a direct hint?
Look for clues related to properties (e.g., 'heavy element', 'ductile material'), uses (e.g., 'coin metal', 'wire material'), or even sound (e.g., 'percussive sound' for BRASS). Sometimes, the clue might reference an ore or a specific item made from a metal.
Are alloys considered 'metals' in crossword clues?
Yes, in the context of crosswords, alloys like STEEL (iron + carbon) and BRASS (copper + zinc) are very frequently clued as 'metals' or 'types of metal.' Crossword setters often simplify categories for brevity and common understanding.