long crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "long crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the potential answers and their explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease, no matter the length of the solution.
Solutions for "long crossword clue" by Letter Count
9 Letters
EXTENSIVE: Meaning of great extent, duration, or range; often used to describe something that is long or broad in scope.
7 Letters
LENGTHY: Directly meaning of considerable length, often referring to time or physical dimension.
5 Letters
WORDY: Indicating a clue that uses or contains too many words, making it 'long' in terms of its composition rather than its subject.
More About "long crossword clue"
A "long crossword clue" can be one of the most intriguing, yet sometimes frustrating, elements of a crossword puzzle. Unlike their concise counterparts, these clues often weave intricate narratives, provide abundant context, or set up elaborate wordplay. They challenge solvers to go beyond simple definitions, encouraging a deeper dive into the clue's nuances, potential double meanings, and cryptic indicators.
Understanding a long clue requires a methodical approach. It might describe a person, a place, a historical event, or even a detailed scenario. Sometimes, the 'long' aspect isn't about physical length but about the detail, ambiguity, or misdirection within the wording. The key is to break down the clue, identify the core definition, and then piece together any additional cryptic elements like anagrams, reversals, or homophones. Don't let the length intimidate you; often, more words mean more hints hidden in plain sight.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Deconstruct the Clue: For long clues, try to separate the descriptive part from any wordplay elements. The definition is often at the beginning or end.
- Look for Indicators: Pay close attention to words like "about," "around," "mixed up" (anagrams), "sounds like" (homophones), or "initially" (acrostics). These are crucial for longer, cryptic clues.
- Consider the Grid: The length of the answer boxes is your best friend. Even with a long clue, if the answer is short, you know to look for a more concise interpretation or a well-hidden trick.
- Don't Be Afraid to Skip and Return: If a long clue is baffling, leave it for a moment. Filling in intersecting letters from other answers can often reveal enough information to crack the tougher, longer clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some crossword clues so long?
Long crossword clues are often designed to provide more specific details, context, or wordplay elements that guide the solver to a unique or less common answer. They can also be used to distinguish between multiple possible answers for a given pattern or to set up complex anagrams or charades.
Does a long crossword clue always lead to a long answer?
Not necessarily! While sometimes a long clue points to a long, descriptive answer, it's not a rule. A lengthy clue might be verbose, setting up a short, common word, or even indicating an abbreviation or a specific letter within a phrase. Always consider the wordplay and context, not just the length of the clue itself.
What strategies help with really long crossword clues?
For long clues, try to identify the definition part first, usually at the beginning or end. Look for indicators of wordplay like 'anagram of', 'sounds like', or 'initially'. Break the clue down into smaller phrases or concepts, and don't be afraid to skip it and come back after filling in some intersecting letters from other clues. Sometimes, a long clue is just a very literal, detailed definition.