leonine locks crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "leonine locks" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease, sorted by letter count.
Solutions for "leonine locks crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MANE: The thick, long hair forming part of a lion's or other animal's coat, often associated with a leonine appearance.
7 Letters
TRESSES: A general term for long locks of hair, which can be described as 'leonine' in their wild, abundant nature.
9 Letters
LIONSMANE: A direct and descriptive term for the characteristic hair surrounding a lion's head, perfectly fitting for 'leonine locks'.
More About "leonine locks crossword clue"
"Leonine locks" is a classic crossword clue that plays on the visual characteristics of a lion. The word "leonine" literally means resembling a lion, particularly in appearance. When combined with "locks" (referring to hair), the clue directs solvers to think about a lion's most distinctive hair feature: its mane.
This clue often appears in puzzles to test a solver's ability to combine descriptive adjectives with common nouns. While "MANE" is the most straightforward and frequent answer, puzzles can sometimes offer more elaborate or general terms depending on the letter count, pushing solvers to think beyond the obvious. Understanding the literal meaning of "leonine" is key to unlocking this and similar clues.
Such clues highlight the rich and evocative language used in crosswords, transforming simple descriptions into engaging wordplay. Recognizing these linguistic nuances helps not only with solving the current puzzle but also in developing a broader crossword-solving vocabulary and intuition.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Always Check the Letter Count: This is your most crucial hint. For "leonine locks," knowing if you need 4, 7, or 9 letters immediately narrows down the possibilities to MANE, TRESSES, or LIONSMANE.
- Break Down the Clue: Separate "leonine" from "locks." "Leonine" points to a lion, and "locks" points to hair. What hair does a lion have? A mane. This simple deconstruction works for many descriptive clues.
- Consider Synonyms and Related Terms: If the primary answer doesn't fit, think of synonyms for the descriptive part or related concepts. "Locks" might also lead to "hair" or "tresses" if modified by "leonine."
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Never underestimate the power of letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These letters will often confirm or reject a potential answer, helping you confidently place the correct word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "leonine locks" mean in a crossword clue?
"Leonine locks" refers to hair that resembles a lion's mane, often implying a thick, flowing, or wild appearance. The most common answer is "MANE," but other terms related to hair or the specific animal might also fit depending on the clue's context and length.
Are there multiple answers for "leonine locks" clues?
Yes, depending on the number of letters required, a "leonine locks" clue could have multiple answers. "MANE" is a primary candidate for shorter solutions, but longer or more descriptive answers like "LIONSMANE" or even general hair terms like "TRESSES" could also be valid. Always check the letter count.
How can I identify the correct answer for "leonine locks" in a crossword?
To identify the correct answer, first, look at the letter count provided for the answer. "MANE" is 4 letters, while "LIONSMANE" is 9 letters, and "TRESSES" is 7 letters. Second, consider any crossing letters you already have from other solved clues, as these will significantly help narrow down the possibilities and confirm the correct solution.