holds back crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling "holds back" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer. Let's solve this together!
Solutions for "holds back crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CURBS: To control or limit something, often behavior or development.
7 Letters
RETAINS: To keep possession of something; to continue to have something.
9 Letters
RESTRAINS: To prevent someone or something from doing something; to keep under control.
More About "holds back crossword clue"
The phrase "holds back" in a crossword clue often points to words associated with restraint, inhibition, or preservation. This can refer to physical actions, like preventing movement, or more abstract concepts, such as delaying progress or withholding information. Understanding the nuance of the clue within the context of the entire puzzle can be crucial.
When you encounter such a clue, consider the specific type of "holding back" implied. Is it about controlling an emotion (e.g., 'SUPPRESS')? Preventing a person (e.g., 'DETERS')? Or simply keeping something (e.g., 'KEEPS')? The length of the answer and the surrounding letters will help narrow down the possibilities significantly. Crossword constructors love to play on these multiple meanings.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Verb Tense: Pay attention to whether the clue is past, present, or future tense, and ensure your answer matches. "Holds back" implies present tense.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of direct synonyms for "holds back" but also its opposites. Sometimes, a clue might be a cryptic way of hinting at an antonym.
- Look for Homophones: While less common for "holds back," always be aware that some clues might hide a sound-alike word.
- Check Crossers: Use the letters you already have from intersecting words. These are your most powerful allies in confirming or disproving a potential answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "holds back" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "holds back" typically refers to words that mean to restrain, limit, or prevent something from moving forward or developing. It can also imply retaining or keeping something.
How do I approach clues like "holds back" when solving crosswords?
Look for synonyms of restraint, retention, or obstruction. Consider the number of letters required and common crosswordese for these concepts. Sometimes, it might refer to literally holding something in a backward direction, though less common.
Are there common pitfalls when solving clues about holding or restraining?
Be careful of homophones or words that sound similar but have different meanings. Also, consider if the clue implies a physical restraint, an emotional one, or a process being slowed down. Always check the crossing letters.