lean crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "lean crossword clue". We've gathered all possible solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "lean crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SLIM: This answer fits 'lean' in the sense of being thin or slender, without excess flesh.
TILT: As a verb, 'tilt' directly means to cause to lean or slant, often used when an object or person is not upright.
THIN: A direct synonym for 'lean' when describing a lack of body fat or a narrow build.
RELY: This answer refers to 'lean' in the context of depending or counting on someone or something.
5 Letters
SPARE: 'Spare' can describe someone or something that is lean or meager in build, not fleshy.
GAUNT: Often used to describe someone who is lean and haggard, especially from hunger or age.
SLOPE: Similar to 'tilt', 'slope' implies an incline or a lean from the horizontal or vertical.
7 Letters
INCLINE: 'Incline' refers to the act of leaning or sloping, often used synonymously with 'lean' when describing a physical angle or tendency.
More About "lean crossword clue"
The word "lean" is a versatile term in English, which makes it a frequent and sometimes challenging crossword clue. Its primary meanings revolve around a lack of fat (as in 'lean meat'), a physical inclination or tilt, or the act of depending on something or someone. This polysemy requires solvers to pay close attention to the nuances of the clue's phrasing and any accompanying words that might narrow down its interpretation.
When you encounter "lean" in a crossword, first consider the letter count. A four-letter answer might be SLIM, TILT, or RELY, each representing a different facet of the word. Longer answers like INCLINE provide more context about a slope or tendency. Crossword setters often play on these multiple meanings, sometimes even adding a pun or a misdirection, which adds to the fun and challenge of the puzzle.
Understanding these different contexts is key. If the clue hints at diet or physical build, think about synonyms for 'thin'. If it's about a building or structure, 'tilt' or 'slope' might be appropriate. And if it implies support or trust, words like 'rely' or 'depend' come into play. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you can more effectively navigate 'lean' and similar multifaceted clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: For clues like "lean," consider the surrounding words. Is it "lean beef" (suggesting FATLESS) or "lean on me" (suggesting RELY)? The context is your biggest hint.
- Check Letter Count: Knowing how many letters the answer has significantly narrows down the possibilities. Always cross-reference with the grid.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: If "lean" means thin, what are its synonyms? If it means to tilt, what are other words for that action? Sometimes thinking of the opposite can also spark an idea.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "lean" being used as a noun, verb, or adjective in the clue? This can guide you towards the correct type of answer (e.g., 'a lean' vs. 'to lean').
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve "lean" in isolation. Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to confirm or eliminate possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'lean' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'lean' can have several meanings. It commonly refers to being thin or slender (e.g., SLIM, THIN, SPARE). It can also mean to incline or tilt (e.g., TILT, SLOPE, CANT). Less frequently, it might relate to depending on something (e.g., RELY, COUNT).
How can I find the correct 'lean' answer if I have its length?
Knowing the letter count is crucial. If you have the number of letters, you can filter potential answers. For example, if it's a 4-letter word, you might consider SLIM or TILT. If it's 5 letters, SPARE or GAUNT could be options. Always check the surrounding letters in your puzzle for confirmation.
Are there common tricky aspects of 'lean' clues?
The main trick with 'lean' is its multiple meanings. Pay attention to the clue's context: is it describing a physical state, an action, or a relationship? For instance, 'Lean meat' points to 'FATLESS', while 'Lean against' suggests 'REST' or 'RELY'. Also, consider if it's part of a phrase.