grind crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "grind crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers for this clue, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned solver, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "grind crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MILL: To process grain into flour, or to wear something down by friction.
TOIL: To work extremely hard or incessantly; arduous labor.
5 Letters
GRATE: To rub food (e.g., cheese) into small pieces; also, to irritate or annoy someone.
POUND: To strike or hit heavily and repeatedly; to crush something into a fine powder or paste.
6 Letters
DRUDGE: To do dull, laborious, or menial work; a person who does such work.
9 Letters
PULVERIZE: To reduce to fine particles; to demolish or defeat utterly.
More About "grind crossword clue"
The term "grind" is quite versatile in everyday language, and crossword constructors often leverage this breadth of meaning to create challenging clues. It can refer to physical actions like reducing solid matter to powder (e.g., grinding coffee beans), the harsh sound of friction, or metaphorically, to persistent, hard, and often monotonous work. This duality, allowing for both literal and figurative interpretations, is what makes 'grind' a frequent and sometimes tricky crossword clue.
When encountering "grind" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the context provided by the other words in the clue, if any. For instance, a clue might specify "grind grain" pointing towards "MILL," or "daily grind" hinting at "TOIL" or "DRUDGE." The number of letters in the answer slot is also a primary indicator, guiding you towards the correct synonym or related action. Always keep an open mind to the various applications of the word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For words like "grind," think about whether the clue suggests a physical action (like a machine grinding) or a metaphorical sense (like the daily grind of work). This helps narrow down possibilities.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your best friend. Even if multiple synonyms come to mind, only one will fit the given length. Use this to eliminate incorrect options.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. Filling in easier intersecting words first will provide crucial letters for the "grind" answer, making it much simpler to deduce.
- Consider Homophones/Puns: While "grind" is fairly direct, some clues rely on wordplay. Always be alert for clues that might hint at a sound-alike word or a pun, though less common for direct action verbs like "grind."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'grind' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'grind' often refers to actions involving friction (like 'MILL' or 'GRATE'), hard work or toil ('TOIL', 'DRUDGE'), or reducing something to small particles ('POUND', 'PULVERIZE'). The context of the puzzle is key.
How can I distinguish between different 'grind' answers with the same length?
If you have multiple answers of the same length, look at intersecting letters from other clues. The specific wording of the clue itself might also offer subtle hints, such as 'grind grain' versus 'daily grind'.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'grind' in crosswords?
Beginners might only think of 'grind' as physical labor. However, it can also refer to the action of rubbing surfaces together, processing food, or even a repetitive, monotonous activity. Always consider all potential meanings.