cunning trickery crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "cunning trickery" crossword clue, 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 get your puzzle solved quickly.
Solutions for "cunning trickery crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
GUILE: Subtle and cunning deception; sly or cunning intelligence.
8 Letters
ARTIFICE: A clever or cunning device or expedient, especially as used to trick or deceive others.
9 Letters
CHICANERY: The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose.
DUPLICITY: Deceitfulness; double-dealing, especially in concealing one's true intentions.
More About "cunning trickery crossword clue"
The concept of "cunning trickery" is a rich vein for crossword constructors, as it encompasses a broad range of human behavior from clever stratagems to outright deceit. Clues of this nature often test a solver's vocabulary for synonyms that imply shrewdness, deception, or a combination of both. Words like GUILE and ARTIFICE are classic examples, directly pointing to the deceptive arts, while CHICANERY suggests more elaborate, perhaps legalistic, forms of trickery.
Understanding the nuance between different synonyms is key. For instance, 'cunning' implies a degree of intelligence and skill in deception, whereas 'trickery' focuses on the act of deceiving itself. When these two concepts are combined, as in "cunning trickery," the ideal answer will embody both the cleverness and the deceptive nature of the act. This type of clue encourages solvers to think broadly about synonyms and their specific connotations.
Solving clues related to "cunning trickery" often requires a good grasp of vocabulary and the ability to distinguish subtle differences between similar words. Paying attention to the specific wording of the clue – whether it emphasizes the act, the person, or the method – can guide you to the correct answer. Crossword puzzles frequently leverage these nuances to challenge solvers, making a solid understanding of synonyms invaluable.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: Many clues, especially those related to abstract concepts like "cunning trickery," rely on wordplay. Look for subtle hints or double meanings in the clue's phrasing that might lead to a less obvious synonym.
- Consider Letter Count First: Always use the number of letters as your primary filter. If you have several possible synonyms, eliminate those that don't match the required length immediately.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They can quickly confirm or rule out potential answers for "cunning trickery."
- Think of Homophones and Anagrams: While "cunning trickery" is a definitional clue, remember that other clues in the same puzzle might be homophones (sound-alikes) or anagrams. Practice recognizing these common crossword devices.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cunning trickery' mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'cunning trickery' refers to a word that describes clever, often deceptive, methods or stratagems used to achieve a goal. Synonyms commonly used as answers include words like GUILE, ARTIFICE, CHICANERY, or DUPLICITY. The exact answer depends on the number of letters and other intersecting clues in the puzzle.
How do I find answers for 'cunning trickery' clues?
To solve clues like 'cunning trickery', consider the number of letters required. Think of synonyms for both 'cunning' and 'trickery' separately, then combine or look for words that encompass both concepts. Checking intersecting letters from other solved clues is also crucial to narrow down possibilities.
Are there common synonyms for 'cunning trickery' in everyday language?
Yes, common synonyms include deceit, deception, guile, artifice, trickery, duplicity, deviousness, and manipulation. In a crossword context, less common but specific terms like CHICANERY or SUBTERFUGE might also be used, making it important to consider a wide range of vocabulary.