loan shark crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "loan shark crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate answers and helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "loan shark crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
USURER: A person who lends money at unreasonably high rates of interest, often illegally.
7 Letters
SHYLOCK: A famous character from Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice', known as a Jewish moneylender who demands a pound of flesh as collateral, symbolizing a harsh or merciless lender.
12 Letters
EXTORTIONIST: A person who obtains money or favors through threats, intimidation, or violence, which can be a characteristic of some loan sharks' methods.
More About "loan shark crossword clue"
The term "loan shark" refers to an individual or organization that offers loans at extremely high interest rates, often operating outside legal financial regulations. These lenders frequently employ aggressive methods of debt collection, including threats and violence. In the realm of crosswords, clues like "loan shark" often tap into common synonyms or cultural references that evoke the essence of such a character or practice.
When solving puzzles, "USURER" is a very common direct synonym that frequently appears. However, crosswords also love to use literary or historical allusions, which is where answers like "SHYLOCK" come into play, drawing on the well-known character from Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. Understanding these nuances helps solvers decode the clue beyond its most obvious meaning.
The severity implied by "shark" in the clue can also lead to answers that describe the illicit or forceful nature of the lending, such as "EXTORTIONIST," highlighting the illegal and coercive tactics sometimes used by these lenders. Recognizing these different facets of the clue is key to selecting the correct answer based on the letter count and intersecting words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This is your primary filter for potential answers. For a "loan shark" clue, knowing if it's 6, 7, or 12 letters immediately narrows down possibilities like USURER, SHYLOCK, or EXTORTIONIST.
- Look for Synonyms and Associations: Beyond direct synonyms, think about related concepts, historical figures, or literary characters. "Loan shark" isn't just about lending money; it's about the negative, often illegal, connotations.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them as vital hints. Even one letter can often confirm or rule out a potential answer, especially when dealing with common letters like 'S' or 'R' in words like USURER.
- Think About the Puzzle's Theme: Some crosswords have a theme that might subtly influence clues. While less common for direct definitions like "loan shark," a broader theme could provide context.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common synonym for 'loan shark' in crosswords?
The most common and direct synonym for 'loan shark' found in crosswords is 'USURER'.
Why might 'Shylock' be a crossword answer for 'loan shark'?
'Shylock' is a character from Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' known for his role as a merciless moneylender, making him a fitting, albeit literary, answer for 'loan shark' due to the negative connotations of his lending practices.
How do I approach a crossword clue like 'loan shark' if I'm stuck?
If you're stuck, consider the number of letters required. Think about direct synonyms like 'USURER', historical or literary figures like 'SHYLOCK', or the negative implications of a loan shark, such as 'EXTORTIONIST'. Also, always check any intersecting letters you already have from other clues.