informers or spies crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "informers or spies crossword clue," perfectly optimized to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide answers by letter count, along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "informers or spies crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SPIES: Individuals who secretly gather information, often for a government or organization.
MOLES: Informers or spies who penetrate and secretly work within an organization or group.
NARCS: Slang term for police officers or informants who specialize in narcotics enforcement.
6 Letters
AGENTS: People who act on behalf of another, often covertly for intelligence purposes.
7 Letters
SOURCES: People or documents that provide information or evidence, often secretly.
8 Letters
INSIDERS: People within an organization or group who have special knowledge or access, sometimes used for informing.
SNITCHES: Informal term for people who secretly tell on others, especially to authority figures.
More About "informers or spies crossword clue"
The clue "informers or spies" is a classic in crosswords, often testing a solver's knowledge of synonyms for clandestine roles. These terms can range from formal titles like 'agent' to more colloquial or specific terms like 'mole' or 'narc'. Understanding the subtle nuances or common slang associated with information gathering is key to cracking these clues.
Crossword setters love to play on words, so 'informers or spies' might also appear with cryptic hints, leading you to an answer that describes the *act* of informing (e.g., 'PLANT' for a planted spy, or 'GRASS' for an informer). Always consider the letter count and any other crossing letters you have to narrow down the possibilities. This category of clues often requires a broad vocabulary related to espionage, law enforcement, and secret dealings.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the required length. This is the most crucial piece of information for "informers or spies" clues, as several valid answers exist at different lengths (e.g., SPIES vs. AGENTS vs. INSIDERS).
- Consider the Tone: Is the clue formal or informal? This can hint at answers like 'NARCS' (slang) versus 'AGENTS' (formal). Look for any subtle indicators of context.
- Check Crossings Immediately: For clues like this with multiple possibilities, filling in crossing letters from other clues is often the fastest way to confirm the correct answer and eliminate alternatives.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes the answer isn't a direct synonym but relates to the *role* or *action*. For instance, 'PLANT' might be an answer if the clue suggests someone placed covertly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between an 'informer' and a 'spy' in crossword clues?
While both involve covert information gathering, 'informer' often suggests someone who gives information to authorities about illegal activities (e.g., 'GRASS', 'SNITCH'), whereas 'spy' typically refers to someone involved in national intelligence or corporate espionage (e.g., 'AGENT', 'MOLE'). Crossword setters often use them interchangeably or hint at the specific context.
How can I quickly identify short answers for 'informers or spies'?
Look for common shorter words like 'SPIES' (5 letters), 'MOLES' (5 letters), 'NARCS' (5 letters), or 'TOUTS' (5 letters). The number of letters provided in the clue is your best guide. Also, consider the specific nuance: is it a general term, or does it hint at a particular type of informer (e.g., drug-related for 'NARCS')?
Are there other common synonyms for 'informer' or 'spy' used in puzzles?
Yes, many! Besides the common ones, you might see 'PLANT' (a hidden spy), 'AGENT' (a general term), 'SOURCE' (someone who provides information), 'DEEPTHROAT' (a famous historical informant), 'SNOOP' (informal spy), or even specific types like 'DOUBLE AGENT'. Contextual clues are crucial.