cutting crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "cutting crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle. Whether it's a literal or figurative 'cutting', we have you covered.
Solutions for "cutting crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KEEN: Sharp, like a cutting edge or intellect.
5 Letters
SHARP: Having a keen edge or point, capable of cutting.
SHEAR: To cut off the wool from a sheep or other animal.
6 Letters
BITING: Causing a sharp, smarting sensation; sharp or keen, as a remark or wit.
SEVERE: Strict or harsh; causing great damage or suffering; can imply a 'cutting' effect.
7 Letters
LOPPING: Cutting off branches or other parts, especially from a tree or plant.
PRUNING: Trimming (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness or growth.
8 Letters
INCISIVE: (Of a person or mental process) intelligently analytical and clear-thinking; sharply direct and to the point.
SEVERING: Dividing by cutting or slicing, especially forcibly or abruptly.
TRIMMING: Cutting something in order to make it neat or tidy.
More About "cutting crossword clue"
"Cutting" is a versatile crossword clue that can challenge even seasoned solvers due to its multiple meanings. Beyond the literal act of severing with a blade, it often refers to sharp wit, incisive commentary, or a critical remark. This dual nature – physical action versus intellectual quality – is a common trick in crossword puzzles, requiring solvers to consider both everyday definitions and more abstract interpretations.
Cryptic crosswords, in particular, love to play with words like "cutting." It could be an instruction to remove letters from a word (e.g., "cut short"), an anagram indicator (suggesting letters need to be "cut up" or rearranged), or even part of a phonetic clue. Always consider the puzzle's style and the surrounding words in the clue for context. A deeper understanding of these nuances will significantly improve your solving rate for such clues.
From garden activities like 'pruning' or 'lopping' to surgical 'severing' or the 'biting' cold, the range of possible answers is vast. Pay attention to any accompanying words in the clue that might narrow down the specific type of 'cutting' being referred to, such as 'cutting remarks' pointing to 'incisive' or 'biting', or 'cutting branches' leading to 'lopping' or 'pruning'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: Don't just stick to the literal definition. "Cutting" can mean sharp (keen, incisive), sarcastic (biting), or even reducing (trimming, pruning).
- Check word length: The number of letters is your best friend. A 4-letter answer for "cutting" will likely be "KEEN", whereas an 8-letter one could be "INCISIVE" or "SEVERING".
- Look for context clues: Is the clue "cutting remarks"? Or "cutting branches"? The surrounding words often narrow down the precise meaning and lead you to the correct answer.
- Think about synonyms: For words like "cutting", compile a mental list of synonyms for its various senses. This broadens your options when stuck.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings of 'cutting' in crosswords?
The clue 'cutting' can refer to literal actions like 'trimming,' 'severing,' or 'lopping,' but it can also refer to figurative meanings like 'incisive' (sharp-witted), 'biting' (sarcastic), or 'keen' (sharp sense or intellect). Context is key!
How does word length help solve 'cutting' clues?
Knowing the exact number of letters needed for an answer is crucial. For 'cutting', a 4-letter answer might be 'KEEN', while an 8-letter answer could be 'INCISIVE' or 'SEVERING'. Always check the available spaces in your grid.
Can 'cutting' be an anagram indicator in crosswords?
Yes, 'cutting' or related words like 'cut' can often serve as an anagram indicator in cryptic crosswords, suggesting that letters in part of the clue need to be rearranged to form the answer. Always be on the lookout for such wordplay.