dreaded crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "dreaded crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack even the toughest puzzles.
Solutions for "dreaded crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BANE: Something that causes great distress or annoyance, often used for a persistent problem.
6 Letters
PLAGUE: A cause of continuous trouble or distress, fitting a difficult or 'dreaded' problem.
7 Letters
STUMPED: Describes the state of being completely unable to answer a question or solve a problem, a common and dreaded situation in crosswords.
CRYPTIC: Refers to a specific, often challenging, style of crossword clue or puzzle that many solvers find 'dreaded'.
9 Letters
NIGHTMARE: A terrifying or deeply unpleasant experience, perfectly describing a particularly tough or frustrating crossword clue.
More About "dreaded crossword clue"
The phrase 'dreaded crossword clue' often evokes a shiver in even the most seasoned crossword enthusiasts. These aren't just difficult clues; they are the ones that make you pause, perhaps sigh, and consider walking away from the puzzle for a bit. Dreaded clues can take many forms: they might be obscure pieces of trivia, incredibly convoluted cryptic definitions, or simply a wordplay device you've never encountered before. What makes them 'dreaded' is their ability to bring your progress to a grinding halt, leaving a stubborn blank space in an otherwise completed grid.
Understanding why a clue is dreaded is the first step towards conquering it. Sometimes it's a specific setter's style that doesn't resonate, or it could be a highly specialized vocabulary term. For cryptic crosswords, a dreaded clue might cleverly mislead you with surface readings that hide the true, often literal, definition. Recognizing the type of dread (obscurity, wordplay, or trickiness) can help you adjust your approach and bring new strategies to bear.
Ultimately, overcoming a dreaded clue provides immense satisfaction. It's a testament to your perseverance and ability to think outside the box. Every dreaded clue you solve adds another tool to your crossword-solving arsenal, making the next challenging puzzle a little less daunting and a little more enjoyable.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Re-read and Re-evaluate: Sometimes, a fresh look at the clue can reveal a hidden meaning or a wordplay technique you missed. Break it down into parts and consider each word's possible literal and figurative meanings.
- Check Intersecting Letters: If you have any letters filled in from intersecting words, use them as vital anchors. They can severely narrow down the possibilities for the dreaded clue, turning a wide-open field into a solvable segment.
- Consult a Thesaurus or Dictionary: For clues hinting at synonyms or definitions, a good thesaurus can be invaluable. For obscure terms, a dictionary (or an online search specifically for the clue's subject) can provide the missing piece.
- Take a Break: Stepping away from the puzzle for a few minutes, or even an hour, can reset your brain. Often, the solution to a dreaded clue will pop into your head when you least expect it, after your subconscious has had time to work on it.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some crossword clues considered "dreaded" by solvers?
Clues become "dreaded" due to various factors: extreme obscurity of the answer, highly complex or misleading wordplay (especially in cryptic crosswords), reliance on niche knowledge (e.g., specific literary characters, rare animals), or simply being exceptionally clever and hard to parse. They are designed to be challenging and often halt progress.
What is the best approach when encountering a dreaded crossword clue?
When faced with a dreaded clue, first, don't panic. Try to solve surrounding clues to get more intersecting letters. Then, re-read the dreaded clue multiple times, looking for potential wordplay indicators (like "perhaps," "oddly," "sounds like"), synonyms, or anagram possibilities. If all else fails, take a short break and return to it with fresh eyes, or consider using online resources like ours for hints.
Are certain types of crossword puzzles more likely to have dreaded clues?
Yes, cryptic crosswords are inherently designed to have more challenging and potentially "dreaded" clues due to their reliance on wordplay, double meanings, and often complex constructions. The Times and similar quality British-style crosswords are known for their ingenious yet sometimes infuriatingly difficult clues, making them more prone to containing truly dreaded entries.