crossword clue ruse – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "crossword clue ruse"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by length, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved. We aim to be the ultimate resource for this and any other tricky crossword clue you encounter.
Solutions for "crossword clue ruse" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PLOY: A cunning plan or stratagem, often used to gain an advantage.
5 Letters
TRICK: A clever or cunning act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
FEINT: A deceptive or pretended blow, attack, or movement, especially in combat or sports, used to mislead an opponent.
6 Letters
SCHEME: A large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object or putting a particular idea into effect, often implying cunning or dishonesty.
9 Letters
DECEPTION: The act of deceiving someone; the state of being deceived. This is a broader term encompassing a ruse.
More About "crossword clue ruse"
The term "ruse" is a classic crossword staple, often appearing with various wordplay tricks or straightforward definitions. At its core, a ruse is a clever stratagem, a trick, or a deceptive maneuver designed to achieve a goal, often by misleading or outwitting an opponent. Think of military tactics, espionage, or even a magician's act – all can involve various forms of ruses.
In crosswords, clues for "ruse" can be direct, like "Deceptive act" or "Trickery," leading you to common synonyms such as PLOY, TRICK, or FEINT. However, setters might also get creative, using phrases like "Cunning plan" or "Way to mislead" to prompt the same answer. Understanding the nuances of these synonyms is key to selecting the correct answer based on the letter count and surrounding letters.
Recognizing "ruse" as a frequently used word in puzzles will equip you with a prepared set of answers. If you see a clue related to deception or a clever plan, immediate consideration of 4-letter PLOY, 5-letter TRICK/FEINT, or 6-letter SCHEME can often quickly unlock a section of your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always start by counting the squares for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "ruse" to words like PLOY (4 letters), TRICK (5 letters), or SCHEME (6 letters).
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Think of all possible synonyms for "ruse" – trick, ploy, stratagem, maneuver, feint, hoax, artifice. Then, look for any other words in the clue that might give context (e.g., "military ruse" might point to FEINT).
- Check Cross-References: If you're stuck on "ruse," try solving intersecting clues first. The letters filled in from other answers will provide crucial hints for the correct word and its length.
- Think about broader concepts: Sometimes a clue like "ruse" might lead to a broader term it's a part of, such as DECEPTION (9 letters). Always consider both specific synonyms and more general related concepts.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the crossword clue 'ruse' typically refer to?
The crossword clue 'ruse' typically refers to a deceptive maneuver, a trick, a stratagem, or a cunning plan designed to mislead or outwit an opponent. It often implies an action taken to achieve an advantage by misdirection.
How can I find the correct length for a 'ruse' answer in a crossword?
To find the correct length for 'ruse', first check the number of empty squares provided in the puzzle grid. Then, consider common synonyms of 'ruse' like TRICK, PLOY, FEINT, SCHEME, or HOAX, and see which one fits the given letter count. Context from surrounding clues can also help narrow it down.
Are there different types of 'ruses' that appear in crosswords?
While 'ruse' itself is a general term, crossword clues might hint at specific types, such as military 'feints' (a simulated attack), a 'stunt' for publicity, or a 'subterfuge' for concealment. The context of the clue, such as 'military ruse' or 'deceptive maneuver', will guide you to the most precise synonym.