idiom crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "idiom crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers across various word lengths, along with explanations and useful tips to help you master your crossword puzzles.
Solutions for "idiom crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ADAGE: A short, memorable saying that expresses a general truth, often idiomatic in nature.
MAXIM: A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct, similar to an idiom or adage.
6 Letters
PHRASE: A common saying or expression that has a figurative meaning, distinct from the literal interpretation of its words.
SAYING: A well-known expression or proverb, often functioning as an idiom in everyday language.
7 Letters
PROVERB: A short, well-known statement that expresses a common truth or belief, frequently used idiomaticly.
10 Letters
EXPRESSION: A common word or phrase, especially one that is idiomatic, used to convey a particular meaning.
More About "idiom crossword clue"
Idioms are fascinating linguistic quirks that enrich our language, but they can be quite tricky in crosswords. An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meaning of its words. For example, "kick the bucket" means to die, not literally to kick a bucket. Crossword setters love to use these because they can be clued in multiple ways – either by directly asking for a synonym for "idiom" or by hinting at a well-known idiom itself.
When you encounter a clue related to "idiom," it's crucial to think beyond the literal. Common answers often include words like ADAGE, PROVERB, SAYING, or PHRASE, all of which describe types of idiomatic expressions. Sometimes, the clue might describe a specific idiom, and you'll need to recall the key word from that saying. Recognizing the subtle hints in the clue will significantly improve your chances of solving it.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For idiom-related clues, determine if the clue is asking for a general term for an idiom (like 'saying') or if it's describing a specific idiomatic phrase. Look for words like 'figuratively,' 'figure of speech,' or 'common phrase.'
- Count the Letters Carefully: The length of the answer is always your most vital clue. If you have several potential answers, eliminate those that don't match the required letter count.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Use letters you've already solved from intersecting words to narrow down possibilities. An idiom might suddenly become obvious when you have a few letters in place.
- Think Synonyms and Related Concepts: If the clue points to a characteristic of an idiom, consider synonyms for 'common expression,' 'wise saying,' or 'figure of speech.'
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an idiom in a crossword context?
An idiom in a crossword context refers to a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meaning of its words. Crossword clues often use them directly or indirectly to test knowledge of common sayings, requiring solvers to think beyond literal interpretations.
How do I identify an idiom clue in a crossword?
Idiom clues often hint at figurative language, or use phrases like "figure of speech," "common saying," "phrase," or even define a specific idiom directly. The answer will typically be a single word that describes an idiom (like 'ADAGE' or 'PROVERB') or a key word from the idiom itself, depending on the clue's exact wording.
Are idioms always literal in crosswords?
No, by definition, idioms are not literal. Crossword setters might use this non-literal aspect to create tricky clues, where understanding the figurative meaning is key to finding the answer. For example, a clue for 'BREAK A LEG' would refer to wishing good luck, not physical harm.