cunning crossword clue 7 letters – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "cunning crossword clue 7 letters" in your puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to get you back on track.
Solutions for "cunning crossword clue 7 letters" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WILY: Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully.
6 Letters
CRAFTY: Clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods.
ARTFUL: Clever or skillful, especially in a cunning or crafty way.
ASTUTE: Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
7 Letters
FOXLIKE: Resembling a fox, especially in cunning or slyness.
SLYNESS: The quality of being cunning, deceptive, or artful.
SCHEMER: A person who devises plots or schemes, often in a secretive or underhand way.
9 Letters
INSIDIOUS: Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects; treacherous.
More About "cunning crossword clue 7 letters"
The term "cunning" is a classic crossword clue, often appearing due to its rich array of synonyms and the subtle nuances it can imply. When a clue specifies a particular letter length, such as "cunning crossword clue 7 letters," it narrows down the possibilities significantly. This forces solvers to think beyond the most obvious one-word equivalents and consider more descriptive or less common synonyms that fit the exact character count.
In crosswords, "cunning" can refer to a personal trait, an action, or even an animal known for its intelligence and trickery. Words like "FOXLIKE" directly link to the animal kingdom, invoking the image of a clever fox. Other answers, such as "SLYNESS" or "SCHEMER," focus on the quality itself or the individual who embodies it. Understanding these different facets of the word "cunning" is key to solving such clues efficiently.
Successful crossword solvers often develop an intuitive sense for these kinds of clues, recognizing that the setter might be leading them towards a less direct, but perfectly fitting, synonym. It's not just about knowing definitions, but also about understanding how words can be used metaphorically or in specific contexts within the puzzle world.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the required letter count. For a clue like "cunning crossword clue 7 letters," this specific length is your most crucial hint. It eliminates many common synonyms that are either too short or too long.
- Consider Nuance and Context: "Cunning" can imply slyness, cleverness, or even trickery. Think about the broader context of the puzzle. Is it a pun? A specific type of cunning (e.g., animalistic)? This can help you differentiate between words like "ARTFUL" and "WILY."
- Use Cross-References: If you're stuck, look at the crossing words. Even a few letters from intersecting answers can provide enough information to reveal the correct 7-letter "cunning" word. This is often the most effective strategy when a clue has multiple plausible answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cunning' typically imply in crossword puzzles?
'Cunning' in crosswords often points to qualities like slyness, cleverness, deceptiveness, or skillfulness, especially in achieving goals by indirect means. Answers can be adjectives (e.g., ARTFUL, WILY) or nouns describing the quality or a person (e.g., SLYNESS, SCHEMER).
How can I find a 7-letter answer when 'cunning' has many synonyms?
When a clue like 'cunning' has many synonyms, the letter count is crucial. Focus on words that fit the exact length. Think about words that describe the act, the quality, or a person who is cunning. Using a crossword dictionary or online solver with letter count filters can be very helpful.
Are there common themes or tricks related to 'cunning' clues?
Yes, 'cunning' clues often relate to animal characteristics (like 'FOXLIKE' or 'WILY' for a fox), or imply a hidden agenda or trickery. Sometimes, the answer might be a less common synonym that perfectly fits the definition and letter count, requiring a broader vocabulary or context.