lock up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "lock up crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line.
Solutions for "lock up crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
JAIL: To confine someone in a prison or secure place.
6 Letters
DETAIN: To keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning.
SECURE: To fasten or hold firmly; to make something safe from escape or loss.
7 Letters
ENCLOSE: To surround or close off on all sides, often to prevent escape or access.
8 Letters
IMPRISON: To put or keep in prison or in any place of confinement.
11 Letters
INCARCERATE: Imprison or confine, typically in a more formal or legal sense.
More About "lock up crossword clue"
"Lock up" is a versatile phrase that can appear in crosswords with several meanings, ranging from literal physical confinement to securing an object or even a metaphorical sense of holding something back. When you encounter this clue, it's crucial to consider the context of the puzzle, including the number of letters required for the answer and any crossing letters you may already have.
Common themes for "lock up" often involve synonyms for imprisonment (like JAIL, DETAIN, IMPRISON, INCARCERATE) or actions related to security (like SECURE, ENCLOSE). Sometimes, the clue might be part of a larger idiom or phrase, requiring you to think beyond the direct synonym. For instance, "lock up the shop" would suggest answers related to closing or securing a business, rather than confining a person.
Always pay attention to the tense and form of the clue. If "lock up" is used as a verb, your answer should also be a verb. If it implies a state or a noun, the answer will follow suit. This careful analysis will help you pinpoint the precise solution your crossword demands.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and significantly narrows down your options for clues like "lock up crossword clue."
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are your most powerful hints, as they must fit precisely into the correct answer for "lock up."
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: Think about all possible synonyms for "lock up" – confine, imprison, secure, close, enclose, intern. Each has a slightly different nuance that might fit the puzzle's specific context.
- Think About Part of Speech: Is "lock up" being used as a verb (to lock up), an adjective (locked up), or part of a noun phrase? The answer's grammatical form should match the clue's implication.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'lock up' mean in a crossword context?
'Lock up' in a crossword can refer to various forms of confinement, security, or sealing something away. Common synonyms include imprison, jail, detain, secure, or even enclose.
How do I choose the correct 'lock up' answer from multiple options?
The correct answer depends on the number of letters required for the puzzle and any intersecting letters you've already filled in. Consider the exact nuance of the clue and other clues in its row or column to narrow down the possibilities.
Are there common tricks related to 'lock up' clues?
Sometimes 'lock up' might be part of a phrase or imply an action rather than just a state. For example, 'lock up the shop' could lead to different answers than 'lock up a criminal.' Always think about the broader context of the clue.