difficult or intricate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "difficult or intricate crossword clue," neatly organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations. Get quick help to complete your puzzle!
Solutions for "difficult or intricate crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
KNOTTY: Refers to something difficult, complicated, or perplexing, often used to describe problems or questions, like a tangled knot.
6 Letters
TRICKY: Describes something that requires skill or careful handling due to its complexity or deceptive nature.
9 Letters
BYZANTINE: Implying extreme complexity, intricacy, or deviousness, often related to systems, plots, or procedures, similar to the historical Byzantine Empire's complex bureaucracy.
More About "difficult or intricate crossword clue"
Crossword clues described as "difficult or intricate" are often the most challenging yet rewarding to solve. They typically require more than a straightforward definition; solvers might need to consider synonyms, homophones, anagrams, or even puns. These clues push you to think outside the box and apply a deeper understanding of wordplay and language nuances.
When you encounter such a clue, it's a good indication that the setter is testing your lateral thinking. Sometimes, the answer might be a common word used in an uncommon context, or a lesser-known synonym for a familiar concept. The satisfaction of cracking these particularly "knotty" or "tricky" clues is a big part of what makes crosswords so addictive.
Understanding the various ways a setter can make a clue intricate—through misdirection, specific phrasing, or even by implying a certain literary or historical context—is key to improving your solving skills. Pages like this help not only with the current puzzle but also in building your repertoire for future challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Wordplay Indicators: Clues with words like "possibly," "maybe," "might be," "could be," "mixed," or "jumbled" often hint at anagrams. Phrases like "sound of" or "heard" suggest homophones.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Ensure your answer matches the part of speech of the clue. If the clue is a verb, the answer should likely be a verb. This helps narrow down possibilities significantly.
- Fill in the Blanks: Don't get stuck on one difficult clue. Solve the easier ones first. Filling in surrounding letters can provide invaluable context and letter patterns that make the intricate clues suddenly clear.
- Check for Hidden Words: Some intricate clues hide the answer within the clue itself, often spanning two words. For example, "Hidden in this ANAGRAM ARK is a vessel" might lead to "GRAM" if you look carefully.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common synonyms for 'difficult' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'difficult' in crosswords include HARD, TOUGH, KNOTTY, ARDUOUS, or CHALLENGING, depending on the number of letters and specific context.
How can I approach an 'intricate' crossword clue?
When faced with an 'intricate' clue, break it down. Look for wordplay, anagrams, hidden words, or double meanings. Consider the part of speech and whether the clue implies a literal or figurative answer. Sometimes, filling in surrounding letters helps reveal the pattern.
Is 'KNOTTY' a common crossword answer for difficult or intricate?
Yes, 'KNOTTY' is a very common and popular answer for clues suggesting something difficult, complex, or intricate, especially when referring to problems or questions. It's often seen in puzzles.