hold crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the potential solutions for the popular crossword clue "hold", along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you need a quick hint or a deeper understanding, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "hold crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GRIP: To seize and maintain a firm hold on something.
KEEP: To retain possession of; to store or maintain in a certain state.
5 Letters
CLASP: To grasp something tightly; also, a fastener or buckle.
6 Letters
RETAIN: To continue to have or possess something; to keep in one's memory.
7 Letters
CONTAIN: To have or hold (something) within itself; to keep under control.
SUPPORT: To bear the weight of something; to hold up or provide a foundation for.
EMBRACE: To hold (someone) closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection; to accept or adopt.
More About "hold crossword clue"
The clue "hold" is a fantastic example of a polysemous word in crosswords, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings. This versatility is why you'll often find a wide array of possible answers depending on the crossword's constructor and the specific nuance they are trying to convey. It can refer to a physical grasp, the act of possessing something, containing a substance, enduring a situation, or even hosting an event.
When encountering "hold" in a puzzle, don't just think of the first synonym that comes to mind. Consider the context, the number of letters, and any crossing letters you've already filled in. Is it 'hold onto something tight' (GRIP, CLASP) or 'hold a belief' (MAINTAIN, ABIDE)? Is it 'hold water' (CONTAIN) or 'hold a grudge' (NURSE)? The richness of the English language makes 'hold' a very engaging and sometimes challenging clue.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to demystify these types of clues, providing you with all the potential solutions and a clear understanding of why each answer fits. By examining the different lengths and their corresponding definitions, you can quickly narrow down the possibilities and confidently complete your crossword puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For versatile words like "hold," always brainstorm beyond the most common meaning. Think about all its possible uses as a verb, noun, or even part of an idiom.
- Leverage Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most important guide. Always prioritize answers that match the exact count required by the puzzle.
- Use Crossing Letters: Once you have a few letters in place from other clues, use them to eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the right one. This is often the quickest way to solve tricky clues.
- Think About Context: Is the clue part of a longer phrase? Does it hint at a specific scenario (e.g., a nautical 'hold', a legal 'hold')? Contextual clues are invaluable.
- Practice Synonyms: A strong vocabulary of synonyms will greatly improve your crossword-solving speed. For words like "hold," having a mental list of alternatives (grasp, keep, retain, contain, support) is incredibly helpful.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'hold' have so many different answers in crosswords?
The word 'hold' is highly versatile and polysemous, meaning it has multiple meanings. Depending on the context of the crossword clue, 'hold' can refer to grasping, possessing, containing, enduring, or even hosting an event, leading to a wide range of possible solutions.
What's the best way to determine the correct 'hold' answer?
To pinpoint the exact answer for 'hold,' always consider the letter count provided in the clue, and crucial crossing letters. Also, pay close attention to any additional words in the clue that provide specific context, such as 'hold tightly' or 'hold within,' guiding you to a more precise synonym.
Are there common crossword tricks related to 'hold'?
Yes, 'hold' clues often involve wordplay. Look out for homophones (e.g., 'hole' might be clued as 'hold' metaphorically), idiomatic expressions (e.g., 'hold one's breath'), or even a shift from verb to noun (e.g., 'the hold of a ship'). Always think beyond the most literal meaning.