hoodwink crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "hoodwink" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "hoodwink crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DUPE: To deceive or trick someone, often by making them believe something false. A direct synonym for hoodwink.
FOOL: To trick or deceive someone; to make someone believe something untrue. Another common short answer.
GULL: To trick or deceive, often used in older contexts but still relevant in crosswords.
5 Letters
TRICK: An act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone. A very common answer for this clue.
CHEAT: To act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, often involving deception.
COZEN: To trick or deceive by artful persuasion or flattery, an often-seen crossword favourite.
7 Letters
DECEIVE: To cause someone to believe something that is not true, typically in order to gain some personal advantage. A precise definition of hoodwink.
MISLEAD: To cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression about someone or something. Direct action of hoodwinking.
SWINDLE: To use deception to deprive someone of money or possessions. Often used for financial hoodwinking.
9 Letters
BAMBOOZLE: To deceive, trick, or mystify someone. A more playful but fitting synonym for hoodwink.
More About "hoodwink crossword clue"
The word "hoodwink" itself means to deceive or trick someone, often by means of a trick. Its origins are quite literal: to "hoodwink" someone originally meant to cover their eyes with a hood or blindfold, preventing them from seeing clearly and thus making them easy to trick. This vivid imagery helps to understand the essence of the word in crossword puzzles.
In crosswords, clues like "hoodwink" often demand a synonym that fits a specific letter count. Common answers revolve around actions of deception, such as tricking, duping, misleading, or even defrauding. Pay attention not just to the core meaning but also to nuances that might hint at a less common synonym, testing your vocabulary.
When you encounter 'hoodwink' in a clue, think broadly about words related to dishonesty, illusion, and outsmarting. Sometimes the answer might be a more formal term, while other times it could be slang. Always consider the context of other intersecting words in your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Before looking up any answers, always count the number of blank spaces for the clue. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, especially for a clue like "hoodwink" which has many synonyms.
- Consider Common Synonyms First: For clues meaning "deceive," think of the most common synonyms like TRICK, DUPE, and DECEIVE. These are frequently used in crosswords due to their commonality and varying lengths.
- Check for Wordplay or Pun Clues: While "hoodwink" is often a straightforward synonym clue, always be on the lookout for potential wordplay. Some crosswords might use the literal "hood" or "wink" components for a trickier clue.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have a few letters from crossing words, use them to your advantage. Even one or two letters can help you definitively choose between similar-length answers for "hoodwink."
- Think About Context: While "hoodwink" generally means to deceive, sometimes the puzzle's theme or the source of the crossword (e.g., a specific newspaper known for certain types of clues) can hint at a particular kind of deception or a more obscure synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hoodwink' mean in a crossword clue?
In a crossword context, 'hoodwink' typically means to deceive, trick, or fool someone. Common synonyms like DUPE, TRICK, or DECEIVE are often the answers.
How can I find answers to 'hoodwink' clues quickly?
Look for synonyms that fit the letter count of the blank spaces. Consider words like TRICK, DUPE, CHEAT, or DECEIVE. Cross-referencing with other solved letters in the puzzle can also narrow down possibilities. Our site provides answers by letter length for quick help.
Are there common word lengths for 'hoodwink' answers?
Answers for 'hoodwink' clues can vary widely in length. Common lengths include 4 letters (e.g., DUPE, FOOL), 5 letters (e.g., TRICK, CHEAT, COZEN), 7 letters (e.g., DECEIVE, MISLEAD, SWINDLE), and longer words like 9 letters (e.g., BAMBOOZLE). Always check the exact number of spaces in your puzzle.