fails crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "fails crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "fails crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ERRS: To make a mistake or be incorrect, a common synonym for failing in an action.
5 Letters
BOMBS: To fail spectacularly, especially in a performance or endeavor.
FOULS: Commits a violation or error, often in a game or contest, thus failing to adhere to rules.
SLIPS: Makes a minor mistake or oversight; can also imply a slight fall in quality or performance.
6 Letters
FLUNKS: To fail an examination, course, or an academic assessment.
MISSES: To fail to hit, reach, or achieve something targeted or desired.
More About "fails crossword clue"
The clue "fails" in a crossword puzzle is a versatile one, as the word "fail" itself has multiple shades of meaning. It can refer to a simple mistake, a significant collapse, or a lack of success in a particular task. This versatility is why you often see several possible answers depending on the context and the number of letters required in your grid.
When encountering "fails," consider the specific nuance. Does it imply an error in judgment (like ERR), a total flop in front of an audience (BOMBS), an academic setback (FLUNKS), or simply not achieving a goal (MISSES)? Crossword setters love to play on these different interpretations to make their puzzles both challenging and engaging. Always double-check surrounding letters and related clues for additional hints that might narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Always filter potential answers by their length first.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: "Fails" could be a direct synonym clue, or sometimes setters use an antonym to lead you astray, requiring you to think of what "succeeds" might imply.
- Context is Key: Look at the other clues in the puzzle. Are there any themes? Is it a pun-heavy puzzle? The overall tone can sometimes guide you.
- Think of Homophones/Homographs: While less common for "fails," some clues play on words that sound alike but are spelled differently.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'fails crossword clue'?
Crossword clues like 'fails' can have multiple answers because the word has various synonyms and contexts. Depending on the specific nuance (e.g., 'fails an exam' vs. 'fails to appear') and the number of letters required, different solutions fit. Our page provides the most common and relevant options, helping you match the answer to your puzzle's specific needs.
How can I tell which 'fails' answer is correct for my puzzle?
The best way is to look at the number of letters in the answer you need first. Then, consider the surrounding completed letters in your crossword grid. The context of other clues in the puzzle can also hint at whether 'fails' refers to a mistake, a spectacular flop, a missed target, or an academic shortcoming.
Are there common themes for 'fails' clues in crosswords?
Yes, 'fails' clues often relate to making errors (e.g., ERR), not succeeding (e.g., MISSES), academic setbacks (e.g., FLUNKS), or disastrous performances (e.g., BOMBS). Sometimes they can imply a moral failing, a breakdown of machinery, or a minor misstep (e.g., SLIPS). Always consider the precise meaning implied by the clue-setter to choose the best fit.