duck crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "duck crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by length, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "duck crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NIL: Often refers to a score of zero, particularly in sports, like a 'duck' in cricket.
4 Letters
DIVE: To plunge or go headfirst into water, or to quickly lower oneself to avoid something.
5 Letters
AVOID: To keep away from or prevent something from happening, as in 'ducking' a responsibility.
DODGE: To avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement, similar to how one might 'duck' a thrown object.
STOOP: To bend the head or body forwards and downwards, a common action when 'ducking' under something.
6 Letters
PLUNGE: To jump or dive quickly and energetically, often downwards, similar to a duck diving into water.
SWERVE: To turn aside abruptly from a straight course, another way to 'duck' out of the way of something.
More About "duck crossword clue"
The word "duck" is a fascinating clue in crosswords because of its versatility. It can refer to the waterfowl itself, but more often, it's used to imply an action. This action can be a quick lowering of the head or body to avoid something, a sudden dip or plunge, or even the act of evading a duty or person.
Another common usage, especially in British-style crosswords, is "duck" as a term for a score of zero, particularly in cricket (a 'duck' or 'duck's egg' referring to a batsman being dismissed without scoring). Understanding these different contexts is key to deciphering the clue accurately and selecting the correct answer among multiple possibilities that fit the letter count.
Always consider the overall theme of the crossword, the setter's typical style, and any connecting letters you already have filled in to narrow down the options for "duck."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For words like 'duck' with multiple meanings, consider if the clue hints at an animal, an action (like avoiding or diving), or a specific term (like a zero score). The surrounding words in the clue can be crucial.
- Check Intersecting Letters: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by using the letters you've filled in from crossing words. If 'NIL' is a possibility, but a crossing letter makes no sense, it's likely not the answer.
- Consider Word Length: Always pay attention to the specified number of letters. This significantly narrows down the pool of potential answers for a given clue.
- Think Synonyms and Homographs: Crossword setters love to play with words. 'Duck' might mean 'to avoid' (synonym) or refer to a 'duck egg' (a different meaning of the same word).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'duck' have multiple answers in crosswords?
The word 'duck' is polysemous, meaning it has several distinct meanings. In crosswords, clues can refer to the animal, the act of avoiding or lowering oneself, or even a score of zero in certain sports, leading to various possible answers depending on the context of the puzzle.
How can I determine the correct 'duck' answer in my puzzle?
Look at the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. The surrounding clues often provide context or hints (e.g., 'Duck, as a blow' points to AVOID or DODGE; 'Duck egg' points to NIL).
Are there common themes for 'duck' clues?
Yes, common themes include actions like 'stoop,' 'bend,' 'dive,' or 'plunge'; evasive actions like 'avoid' or 'dodge'; and, in British crosswords especially, the sporting term for a score of zero (NIL).