locks up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "locks up" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your grid with ease. Dive in and find the perfect fit!
Solutions for "locks up crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
LOCKS: A very direct answer, referring to securing something with a lock, or perhaps a system becoming unresponsive (locking up).
CAGES: To put someone or something into a cage, effectively confining or "locking them up".
7 Letters
CONFINE: To keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits, often implying a form of enclosure or being locked in.
ENTOMBS: To place or bury in a tomb, which implies sealing or locking away permanently, often in a grand or solemn manner.
SECURES: To fasten or close something firmly, often with a lock, to prevent it from being moved or lost.
9 Letters
IMPRISONS: To put or keep someone in prison or a place like a prison, a clear and strong synonym for locking someone up.
More About "locks up crossword clue"
"Locks up" is a versatile crossword clue that can point to several related concepts. At its most literal, it refers to the act of securing something with a lock, like a door or a box. However, it can also extend to confining a person or animal, as in putting someone in jail or a pet in a cage. The phrase also has a common technological meaning, describing when a computer or system becomes unresponsive and frozen.
Crossword setters love clues like "locks up" because they offer multiple avenues for interpretation, challenging solvers to think broadly about synonyms. Depending on the grid and other intersecting words, the answer could be a simple, direct synonym for securing, or a more nuanced term related to confinement or even technical malfunction. Always consider the context of the puzzle to pinpoint the exact meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your biggest hint. If you have several options, start with those that match the letter count you need.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words have double meanings. "Locks up" can be about security, confinement, or even a computer crash. Think broadly!
- Check Intersecting Letters: If you've filled in some letters from other clues, use them to narrow down the possibilities for "locks up". This is often the most effective strategy.
- Think about common crossword patterns: Sometimes clues follow common patterns. Knowing typical crosswordese can help you anticipate answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "locks up" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "locks up" often refers to actions of securing something, confining someone, or sealing something shut. The exact interpretation can depend on the number of letters required and the context of other solved letters.
How can I find synonyms for "locks up" in crosswords?
To find synonyms, think about the various senses of 'lock up': to secure, to confine, to imprison, to seal, to shut down, or to restrict. Consider contexts like people, objects, or even computer systems. Using a thesaurus focused on these actions can be very helpful.
Are there common wordplay elements with "locks up"?
While "locks up" can sometimes involve literal locks or puns on "locks" (e.g., hair locks) or the direction "up" indicating a reversal, for a straightforward clue like this, it's most commonly a direct synonym for containment, security, or sealing. Always consider if the clue hints at a more complex wordplay, but often it's direct.