hug crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "hug" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "hug crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ARM: To put your arms around someone, often a less intense form of embrace.
4 Letters
HOLD: To grasp or embrace someone tightly.
GRIP: To hold firmly, sometimes in a strong embrace like a 'bear hug'.
5 Letters
CLASP: To grasp or embrace someone firmly with the hands or arms.
PRESS: To hold someone close or firmly against oneself.
6 Letters
CUDDLE: To hold someone closely and tenderly, often for comfort or affection.
ENFOLD: To embrace or wrap someone around, often tenderly.
7 Letters
EMBRACE: To hold someone closely in one's arms, typically as a sign of affection.
SQUEEZE: To press firmly, often in an affectionate way, like a tight hug.
More About "hug crossword clue"
"Hug" is a straightforward yet versatile clue in crosswords, often eliciting answers related to physical affection or close proximity. The most common answers will revolve around synonyms for embracing or holding someone affectionately. However, seasoned crossword solvers know to look beyond the obvious.
Sometimes, "hug" might refer to something that closely fits or surrounds, like a dress "hugging" the figure, or a road "hugging" the coastline. This metaphorical usage can lead to answers like CLING or ENVELOP. Pay close attention to any contextual words in the clue that might hint at a non-human application.
The difficulty of a "hug" clue often depends on its length and the other words it intersects with. Short answers like ARM or HOLD are common in daily puzzles, while longer, more descriptive terms like EMBRACE or CUDDLE might appear in more challenging grids. Always consider the overall theme of the puzzle if it has one, as it might subtly influence the choice of synonym.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For a clue like "hug," consider if it's strictly a verb (e.g., to embrace) or if it could be a noun (e.g., a tight embrace). Also, think about the intensity – is it a gentle hug or a tight squeeze?
- Check Intersecting Letters: The letters you already have from crossing words are your best friends. They will often narrow down the possibilities significantly, helping you choose between similar synonyms like CUDDLE and ENFOLD.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs and Idioms: While "hug" is direct, sometimes clues relate to actions that imply hugging, such as "hold tight" or "clasp close." Be open to answers that might be components of common phrases.
- Look for Figurative Meanings: As mentioned, "hug" can describe something that fits closely (e.g., a tight dress). If other answers aren't fitting, consider if the clue has a metaphorical interpretation.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hug' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'hug' often refers to synonyms of embrace, hold, clasp, or cuddle. It can also imply actions like 'clinging' or 'enveloping'. The exact answer depends on the number of letters required and the other intersecting words in the puzzle.
How can I find a 'hug' answer quickly if I only have a few letters?
If you have partial letters, consider common synonyms for 'hug' and try to fit them into the pattern. For example, if you have _M_R_C_, EMBRACE is a strong possibility. Also, think about less common synonyms that might fit unusual letter counts.
Are there any common trick answers for 'hug' clues?
Sometimes, 'hug' can be clued indirectly, such as 'bear's embrace' (GRIZZLY, though not a direct hug synonym, relates to a bear's action). Or it could refer to something that 'encompasses' or 'surrounds' rather than a direct physical embrace, like a 'belt' that hugs the waist. Always consider the context of the puzzle's theme or other clues.