harbours crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "harbours crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, neatly organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "harbours crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PORTS: A common answer referring to places of refuge for ships. Often a literal interpretation of 'harbours'.
HOLDS: When 'harbours' means to contain or possess something, as in 'the jar holds water'.
6 Letters
NURSES: Can be used when 'harbours' implies fostering or keeping a feeling, like 'nurses a grudge' or 'nurses a secret hope'.
8 Letters
SHELTERS: Implies providing protection or a safe refuge, similar to a safe haven, for people, animals, or even ships.
CONTAINS: Indicates having something within, akin to 'holds', often referring to an object or a concept.
9 Letters
CHERISHES: Refers to keeping a feeling or idea in one's mind, often secretly and with affection, as in 'harbours a cherished memory'.
More About "harbours crossword clue"
The crossword clue "harbours" is a fantastic example of a word with dual meanings, making it a favorite for setters. On one hand, it directly refers to a place where ships find shelter and dock, leading to answers like PORTS or HAVENS. This is the most straightforward interpretation, playing on the noun form of 'harbour'.
However, "harbours" also functions as a verb with a more figurative sense: to hold or entertain a thought, feeling, or even a person secretly. This can lead to a diverse range of answers from HOLDS or CONTAINS to more nuanced verbs like NURSES (as in "harbours a grudge") or SHELTERS (as in "harbours a fugitive"). Understanding this duality is key to cracking such clues, as the context given by the rest of the clue often points to which meaning is intended.
Always consider the broader phrase or idiom if the answer isn't immediately obvious from the number of letters. Crossword constructors love to play on these multiple layers of meaning, challenging solvers to think beyond the most literal interpretation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Both Meanings: For clues like "harbours," always think about both the literal (e.g., ports) and figurative (e.g., holds a secret) meanings. This opens up more possibilities.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most valuable hint. Use it to eliminate words that don't fit and focus on those that do.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. Look at the letters provided by intersecting words. These can often reveal the correct answer quickly.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct answer isn't coming to mind, brainstorm synonyms or even antonyms (if the clue implies an opposite) for parts of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'harbours' mean in a crossword clue?
'Harbours' in a crossword clue typically has two main meanings: it can refer to a physical place where ships or boats find shelter (like a port or haven), or it can mean to hold, conceal, or foster a feeling, thought, or even a person (e.g., 'harbours a grudge' or 'harbours a fugitive').
How can I identify the correct length for 'harbours' answers?
To determine the correct answer length, always check the number of dashes or blank squares provided in the puzzle. Also, utilize any intersecting letters from other solved clues, as these are crucial for narrowing down possibilities. The specific context of the clue might also hint at the exact meaning and thus the word length.
Are there common synonyms for 'harbours' in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'harbours' in crosswords include PORTS, HAVENS, DOCKS (for the physical meaning), and HOLDS, SHELTERS, CONTAINS, NURSES, FOSTERS, CONCEALS, or CHERISHES (for the metaphorical meaning). The best synonym depends entirely on the specific nuance and context given by the rest of the clue.