great crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving the trickiest crossword puzzles. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "great crossword puzzle clue", designed to help you complete your puzzle and enhance your solving skills.
Solutions for "great crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GEM: Often used for a small, valuable item, fitting for a highly valued clue.
4 Letters
HINT: A common synonym for a clue, offering a subtle suggestion.
9 Letters
CHALLENGE: Describes a clue that is difficult yet rewarding to solve.
11 Letters
BRAINTEASER: A puzzle or problem that requires significant thought, characteristic of a great clue.
MASTERPIECE: Refers to an outstanding work, implying a brilliantly crafted crossword clue.
More About "great crossword puzzle clue"
A "great crossword puzzle clue" is more than just a question; it's a carefully crafted piece of language designed to entertain, challenge, and ultimately lead to a satisfying solution. These clues often employ wordplay, double meanings, and misdirection, making the solver think creatively rather than just recall facts. The hallmark of a truly great clue lies in its ability to be both tricky and fair, providing just enough information to eventually arrive at the correct answer.
The beauty of a well-designed clue is in its layers. It might have a surface reading that makes perfect sense, only to reveal a completely different interpretation when viewed through a crossword solver's lens. This is particularly true in cryptic crosswords, where a single clue can contain multiple indicators pointing to the answer, often in a disguised manner. Identifying a "great crossword puzzle clue" means recognizing the cleverness behind its construction and appreciating the puzzle creator's ingenuity.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Wordplay Indicators: Clues for "great crossword puzzle clue" often hint at wordplay. Watch for words like "might be," "perhaps," "could be," or punctuation that suggests an alternative interpretation.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many great clues leverage words with multiple definitions. Think beyond the first meaning that comes to mind for each word in the clue.
- Check for Anagrams or Hidden Words: A "great" clue can sometimes be an anagram of words within the clue itself, or even contain the answer hidden consecutively within its letters. Indicators like "mixed up" or "scrambled" often point to anagrams.
- Pay Attention to Length: The number of letters in the answer is a critical hint. Use it to narrow down possibilities, especially when considering synonyms or different forms of a word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue 'great'?
A 'great' crossword clue often features clever wordplay, a deceptive surface reading, or a concise and elegant phrasing that leads to a satisfying 'aha!' moment. It can be a double definition, a pun, an anagram, or a cryptic indicator that challenges the solver without being overly obscure.
How can I improve my crossword-solving skills?
To improve, practice regularly, pay attention to common crossword conventions and abbreviations, learn about different clue types (e.g., cryptic vs. regular), build your vocabulary, and don't be afraid to use reference tools when stuck. Over time, you'll start recognizing patterns and common tricks.
Are there different types of crossword clues?
Yes, there are several types, including straightforward definitions, synonyms, anagrams, hidden words, reversals, homophones, and various forms of cryptic clues like double definitions, charades, and containers. The 'greatness' often comes from the complexity and artistry of these different clue mechanisms.