grips crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. Below you'll find all possible answers for "grips crossword clue," categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease!
Solutions for "grips crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
GRASP: To take hold of something firmly, often with the hand.
HOLDS: To keep or retain in one's possession, or to embrace.
6 Letters
SEIZES: To take hold of something suddenly and forcibly.
7 Letters
HANDLES: To touch, feel, or manipulate something with the hands.
8 Letters
CLENCHES: To close (a hand or other body part) tightly.
11 Letters
UNDERSTANDS: To perceive the intended meaning of something; to comprehend.
More About "grips crossword clue"
The clue "grips" in a crossword puzzle can be deceptively simple, often leading solvers to consider only the most direct, literal interpretations. However, its versatility allows for a range of meanings, from the physical act of holding firmly to more abstract concepts like understanding or captivating attention. This dual nature makes "grips" a fantastic example of how crossword clues often test your ability to think beyond the obvious and explore the full semantic range of a word.
When encountering "grips," experienced solvers know to consider not just synonyms for 'hold' but also verbs implying mental or emotional capture. For instance, if something 'grips' your attention, it enthralls you. If you 'get a grip' on a concept, you understand it. This breadth means that checking the letter count and surrounding clues is even more vital for this type of clue than for many others. It's a clue that rewards a broad vocabulary and an understanding of common idiomatic expressions.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For clues like "grips," always think beyond the literal. Does the word have common idioms or figurative uses? 'Grips' can mean to hold, but also to understand or to fascinate.
- Leverage Crossing Clues: Never try to solve a clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends, eliminating incorrect possibilities and confirming correct ones. Use them to narrow down the options drastically.
- Think About Word Form: If the clue is a plural verb like "grips," the answer will likely also be a plural verb (e.g., HOLDS, SEIZES). This consistency in form is a crucial crossword rule.
- Start with Shorter Answers: If you're stuck, focus on the answers with fewer letters first. They often have fewer possibilities, making them easier to guess or confirm and providing more crossing letters for longer, trickier clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "grips" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "grips" can refer to physical acts of holding (like GRASP, HOLDS, CLENCHES), but also to metaphorical meanings like understanding (UNDERSTANDS) or fascinating (ENTHRALLS). The exact answer depends on the letter count and surrounding clues, as well as the puzzle's specific theme or wordplay.
How do I find the right "grips" answer if multiple fit?
To pinpoint the correct answer when several options for "grips" fit, first, verify the number of letters required by the grid. Next, examine the crossing clues – these intersecting words are often your best guides, confirming or eliminating possibilities. Also, consider if the clue is part of a common phrase or idiom, which can hint at less literal meanings. Context is absolutely crucial in narrowing down choices.
Are there common synonyms for "grips" used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for "grips" frequently appearing in crosswords include HANDLES, SEIZES, CLASPS, KEEPS, and sometimes words related to comprehension or strong influence, such as GRASPS (as in 'grasps an idea'), ENTHRALLS, or CAPTIVATES. Always be prepared to consider both the literal and figurative meanings of the word.