fruitless undertaking crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "fruitless undertaking," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "fruitless undertaking crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
FOLLY: Lack of good sense, foolishness, or a foolish undertaking with no prospect of success.
8 Letters
FUTILITY: A state of being pointless or completely ineffective; the quality of being useless.
10 Letters
NONSTARTER: An idea, plan, or undertaking that has no chance of succeeding or being implemented.
GOOSECHASE: A foolish and unprofitable pursuit, typically for something unattainable. In crosswords, this often appears without a space.
14 Letters
WILDGOOSECHASE: A prolonged, foolish, or hopeless search or pursuit. This popular idiom is a very common answer for this type of clue and is frequently presented as one word in puzzles.
More About "fruitless undertaking crossword clue"
"Fruitless undertaking" is a classic crossword clue that describes an effort or venture that yields no positive results, or is ultimately pointless. The term itself is an idiom, meaning it's a phrase where the words together have a meaning that isn't obvious from the individual words. Understanding such idiomatic expressions is key to solving many crossword puzzles.
Clues like this often test a solver's vocabulary not just for synonyms, but for common phrases and idioms that convey the same meaning. The answers typically revolve around concepts of waste, pointlessness, or misguided efforts. Recognising the idiomatic nature helps differentiate it from clues asking for simple definitions of 'fruitless' or 'undertaking' separately.
The beauty of this clue lies in its ability to evoke images of effort without reward, making it a fitting and frequently used phrase in both daily conversation and complex word puzzles. From a "wild goose chase" to sheer "futility," the core idea is a venture doomed to fail or achieve nothing of value.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Idioms: For clues that seem to describe a situation rather than a single object or concept, consider if it's an idiom. Phrases like "fruitless undertaking" often point to well-known idiomatic expressions or their core meaning.
- Break Down the Clue: Sometimes, even if it's an idiom, thinking about the individual words ("fruitless" meaning useless/unproductive, "undertaking" meaning task/project) can spark ideas for synonyms or related concepts.
- Check Intersecting Letters: When multiple answers fit the clue, the letters from perpendicular words in the crossword grid are your best friend. They will confirm which answer is the correct one for that specific puzzle.
- Consider Common Crossword Answer Patterns: Some answers, like "WILDGOOSECHASE," are recurring favourites in crosswords for such clues due to their perfect fit and common usage. Keep a mental list of these "go-to" answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some crossword clues, like 'fruitless undertaking', so metaphorical or idiomatic?
Crossword constructors often use idiomatic expressions, metaphors, or wordplay to make clues more challenging and engaging. 'Fruitless undertaking' is an idiom, and recognizing these common phrases is a key strategy for solving puzzles. It adds a layer of intellectual fun beyond simple definitions, requiring you to think beyond literal meanings.
How does the number of letters help me solve 'fruitless undertaking'?
The letter count is crucial for narrowing down possibilities. For 'fruitless undertaking', if you have a 7-letter space, 'FUTILITY' might fit. If it's 10 letters, 'NONSTARTER' or 'GOOSECHASE' could be options. Always check the given grid length first to filter potential answers effectively and eliminate solutions that don't match the required length.
What's the best approach when a crossword clue has multiple possible answers?
When a clue like 'fruitless undertaking' has several solutions, the best approach is to use intersecting letters from other solved clues. These intersecting letters will eliminate incorrect options, guiding you towards the correct answer that fits both the clue and the grid. Don't be afraid to try one answer lightly in pencil if you're unsure, and verify it with crossings.