crossword clue poison – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "poison," helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue poison" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BANE: Something that causes great distress or annoyance; a source of harm or ruin. Often used figuratively for something harmful.
RUIN: To reduce to a state of decay, collapse, or disintegration; destroy. Can also refer to something that causes destruction, metaphorically "poisoning" a situation.
5 Letters
TOXIN: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
VENOM: A poisonous substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions, typically injected into prey or aggressors by biting or stinging.
7 Letters
CYANIDE: A highly poisonous chemical compound, often used in crossword clues for its specific toxicity.
ARSENIC: A potent metallic element and known poison, historically used in various toxic applications.
HEMLOCK: A highly poisonous Eurasian plant of the parsley family, or the poison extracted from it, famously used to execute Socrates.
More About "crossword clue poison"
The clue "poison" in crosswords can be a tricky one, as its answers can range from literal toxic substances to figurative destructive forces. Solvers often need to consider the number of letters and any crossing letters to determine if the puzzle setter is looking for a chemical compound, an animal secretion, or a concept that metaphorically "poisons" something, like "bane" or "ruin."
This versatility is what makes "poison" a rich and interesting clue for constructors. It allows for a broad spectrum of answers, from specific chemical names like CYANIDE or ARSENIC to more general terms like TOXIN or VENOM. Understanding the nuances of the word "poison" is key to unlocking these types of clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: "Poison" isn't just about chemicals. Think about its use as a verb (to contaminate, to corrupt) or as a noun for a destructive influence (a bane, a blight). This broad interpretation often leads to unexpected answers.
- Check crossing letters: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting clues, they will significantly narrow down the possibilities. For example, if you have _E_O_, VENOM is a strong candidate for a 5-letter answer.
- Think about specific types: Sometimes the clue might hint at a specific poison, even if the main clue is general. For instance, "Rat poison ingredient" might lead to ARSENIC, or "Snake's delivery" to VENOM. Be ready for both general and specific answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "poison" have so many different answers in crosswords?
"Poison" is a versatile word with both literal and figurative meanings. It can refer to a toxic substance (e.g., TOXIN, CYANIDE), a destructive influence (e.g., BANE, RUIN), or even an action (e.g., TAINT). Crossword setters leverage this range to create varied clues.
What's the best way to approach a clue like "poison"?
Start by considering the most common literal poisons (e.g., VENOM, TOXIN). Then, think about common crossword answers that represent figurative poisons or destructive elements (e.g., BANE, PLAGUE). Always use crossing letters to guide your choice, and consider the number of letters required.
Are there any common traps with the "poison" clue?
A common trap is to only think of chemical poisons. Remember to also consider biological poisons (VENOM), abstract concepts of harm (BANE), or actions that "poison" something (RUIN, TAINT). Also, be aware of specific, less common poisons if the clue or crossing letters point to them (e.g., STRYCHNINE).