hare's tail crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most accurate and commonly accepted answers for the clue 'hare's tail crossword', designed to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "hare's tail crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SCUT: The short, often bushy tail of a hare, rabbit, or deer.
More About "hare's tail crossword"
The term 'scut' is a fascinating example of how specific vocabulary finds its way into crossword puzzles. While many might generically refer to it as a 'tail', the precise term 'scut' is used for the small, often white, tuft-like tail of a hare, rabbit, or deer. This specific naming helps differentiate it from the longer, more prominent tails of other animals.
Crossword setters often leverage such precise terminology to challenge solvers and test their breadth of knowledge, particularly in natural history and zoology. Recognizing these specific terms is a key skill for advanced crossword enthusiasts, as they frequently appear in various puzzles, from daily newspapers to more complex cryptic crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Specific Terminology: When a clue seems simple but the answer isn't immediately obvious, think about technical, scientific, or very specific terms. For 'hare's tail', 'scut' is a perfect example.
- Utilize Letter Counts: Always pay close attention to the number of letters required. This dramatically narrows down possibilities, especially for short answers where multiple common words might fit a loose definition.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: The most powerful tool in crossword solving is checking how potential answers fit with words crossing them. Even if you're unsure, fitting letters from a 'scut' into intersecting words can confirm or deny its validity.
- Build a Lexicon of Obscure Terms: Over time, you'll notice certain words, like 'scut', 'eta', 'ode', 'err', appear frequently due to their short length and utility. Learning these common crossword fillers can speed up your solve times.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hare's tail' specifically refer to in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'hare's tail' almost exclusively refers to a 'scut'. This is the proper zoological term for the small, bushy tail of animals like hares, rabbits, and deer.
Are animal anatomy terms common in crosswords?
Yes, animal anatomy terms are very common in crosswords. Clues might refer to a 'lion's mane', a 'deer's horn' (antler), a 'dog's paw' (pad), or a 'hare's tail' (scut), testing your knowledge of specific, often short, vocabulary.
How can I quickly identify short, obscure answers like 'scut'?
To quickly identify short, less common answers, focus on the letter count given in the clue. If it's a short word, consider abbreviations, scientific or specific terms for common things (like 'scut' for a tail), or archaic words. Context clues from intersecting words are also vital.