gag crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving those tricky crossword clues! On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "gag crossword clue", organized by letter count for easy navigation. Whether it's a humorous act or a form of restraint, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "gag crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
JOKE: A humorous story or act intended to provoke laughter. This is a very common interpretation for 'gag' in a crossword.
HOAX: A mischievous deception, often for fun, aligning with the idea of a practical joke or 'gag'.
5 Letters
TRICK: A playful or mischievous act; a practical joke, fitting the 'gag' as a humorous action.
STUNT: An act or feat, especially one displaying skill, strength, or daring, sometimes done for entertainment or attention, similar to a 'gag'.
6 Letters
MUZZLE: A device placed over an animal's snout to prevent it from biting, or figuratively, to prevent someone from speaking. This refers to the 'restraint' meaning of 'gag'.
7 Letters
SILENCE: The absence of sound; to prevent from speaking or making noise, which can relate to a 'gag order' or making someone unable to speak.
8 Letters
RESTRAIN: To prevent (someone or something) from doing something; to keep under control or check. This directly relates to the physical act of gagging someone.
More About "gag crossword clue"
"Gag" is a wonderfully versatile word for crossword setters, offering at least two distinct paths for solvers: humor and restraint. As a humorous act, it evokes images of stand-up comedy, playful pranks, or even a running joke in a sitcom. Many clues will lead you down this path, seeking synonyms for jokes, tricks, or amusing performances.
However, "gag" can also refer to a device used to prevent speech or to physically restrict someone. This can be interpreted literally, such as a cloth placed in someone's mouth, or figuratively, like a 'gag order' which legally prohibits public discussion of a topic. Recognizing these dual meanings is key to successfully cracking clues involving this word.
The beauty of such clues lies in the setter's ability to play on these multiple interpretations. Always consider the surrounding letters, the overall theme of the puzzle, and especially the required answer length to discern which meaning of "gag" the setter has in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "gag," have more than one definition. Always think about all possible interpretations—literal, figurative, and even slang—before settling on an answer.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. It immediately narrows down potential answers, especially when a clue has multiple meanings.
- Look for Context: Read the full clue carefully. Are there other words that hint at humor, or perhaps restriction? Sometimes, the wordplay within the clue itself guides you.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: As you fill in other parts of the puzzle, the intersecting letters will provide invaluable confirmation or new possibilities for your "gag" clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "gag" mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "gag" commonly refers to either a joke or prank (e.g., a 'comic gag') or to something that restricts speech or movement (e.g., a 'mouth gag' or 'gag order'). The specific meaning is usually determined by the length of the answer and the context provided by other clues in the puzzle.
How do I distinguish between "gag" as a joke and "gag" as restraint?
Look at the number of letters in the required answer. Shorter answers like JOKE or HOAX often point to the humorous meaning, while longer answers such as MUZZLE, SILENCE, or RESTRAIN usually relate to the restrictive meaning. Additionally, consider the type of puzzle and the surrounding clues for contextual hints.
Are there common synonyms for "gag" often used in crosswords?
Yes, depending on the intended meaning. For the 'joke' aspect, you might find answers like JEST, QUIP, WIT, HOAX, TRICK, or STUNT. For the 'restraint' or 'suppression' meaning, common synonyms include MUZZLE, SILENCE, or RESTRAIN. Always consider all possible interpretations.