crossword clue tricky – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all possible solutions for the intriguing clue "crossword clue tricky". Whether you're looking for a quick hint or a full explanation, we've got you covered. Dive in and solve that challenging puzzle!
Solutions for "crossword clue tricky" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ODD: Something unusual or peculiar can be tricky to place in a crossword context.
6 Letters
KNOTTY: Describes a problem or situation that is complex and difficult to resolve.
SUBTLE: Can be tricky because it's not obvious or easily noticed.
7 Letters
ELUSIVE: Hard to find, catch, or achieve, making a clue tricky to pin down.
OBSCURE: Not discovered or known about; uncertain, making it tricky to identify.
8 Letters
PUZZLING: Directly relates to something that is hard to understand or explain, a common characteristic of a tricky clue.
9 Letters
AMBIGUOUS: Open to more than one interpretation, making it tricky to decide the correct answer.
More About "crossword clue tricky"
The term "tricky" in a crossword clue can mean a variety of things, from straightforward difficulty to clever wordplay designed to mislead. Often, these clues aren't tricky because the answer is obscure, but because the path to the answer requires a specific type of thinking or an understanding of crossword conventions. They test your ability to think laterally, recognize common crossword misdirection tactics, and appreciate linguistic nuances.
A "tricky" clue might employ an anacrostic (hidden word), a homophone (words that sound alike but are spelled differently), or a double definition. It could also refer to a less common meaning of a word, or use an unexpected abbreviation. The satisfaction derived from solving a truly tricky clue is immense, as it often feels like cracking a clever code crafted by the puzzle setter.
Understanding the nature of the "trick" is key. Is it a pun? An anagram indicator? A reference to a specific piece of trivia? By analyzing the clue's structure and the surrounding letters in the grid, you can often narrow down the possibilities and unveil the trick, leading you directly to the solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Punctuation Clues: Sometimes a comma or dash can indicate a multi-word answer or a phrase.
- Consider Parts of Speech: If the clue is a noun, the answer is likely a noun. If it's a verb in the past tense, so should be your answer.
- Think About Wordplay: Be alert for signs of anagrams, hidden words, or homophones. Words like "confused," "scrambled," or "mixed" often point to anagrams. Phrases like "heard say" or "reportedly" suggest a homophone.
- Use Cross-References: If you're stuck on a tricky clue, try solving its intersecting words first. Often, just a few confirmed letters can make the tricky clue much easier to decipher.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some crossword clues called 'tricky'?
Crossword clues are often labeled 'tricky' because they might use wordplay, puns, double meanings, obscure references, or require a specific type of lateral thinking. They're designed to make solvers think outside the box and challenge conventional understanding.
What are common strategies for solving tricky crossword clues?
Strategies for tricky clues include looking for homophones, anagrams, hidden words, abbreviations, or phrases. Checking the tense and part of speech can also be crucial. Sometimes, writing out the letters you have and trying different combinations helps.
Does 'tricky' always mean the answer is difficult?
While 'tricky' often implies difficulty, it can also refer to a clue that is deceptive, misleading, or requires a clever interpretation rather than being outright hard. The answer itself might be simple, but the path to it is 'tricky'.