maiden crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "maiden crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "maiden crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
VIRGIN: An unmarried girl or woman; a common meaning in crosswords, often implying purity or inexperience.
5 Letters
FIRST: Indicating the initial or earliest instance of something, as in a "maiden voyage" or "maiden speech."
4 Letters
OVER: In the context of cricket, a "maiden over" is one in which no runs are scored off the bowler. A common cryptic crossword interpretation.
3 Letters
NEW: Meaning fresh, untried, or earliest, similar to a "maiden flight" or "maiden effort," indicating a beginning.
More About "maiden crossword clue"
The term "maiden" is a classic crossword staple, known for its versatile meanings that can often catch solvers off guard. While its most archaic and straightforward interpretation refers to an unmarried woman or girl (leading to answers like VIRGIN), experienced puzzlers know to consider its other common uses.
Beyond the personal, "maiden" frequently appears in clues referencing a 'first' or 'initial' event. This could be a "maiden voyage" (the first journey of a ship) or a "maiden speech" (the first speech given by a public figure in a new role). These contexts often prompt answers such as FIRST or NEW. Furthermore, in the niche world of cricket, a "maiden over" signifies an over in which no runs are scored, making OVER a plausible answer, especially in puzzles with a British or sports leaning.
Understanding these multiple layers of meaning is key to cracking "maiden" clues. The number of letters, alongside any contextual hints in the clue, will guide you to the correct interpretation. Always pause and consider all possibilities before committing to an answer, as the setter might be cleverly leading you down a less obvious path.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many common words, like "maiden," have several definitions. Always think beyond the most obvious meaning, especially if an initial guess doesn't fit the letter count or other intersecting words.
- Check Letter Count First: Before even thinking of an answer, look at the number of boxes. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and can help you eliminate incorrect assumptions about the clue's meaning.
- Look for Context Clues: Words surrounding "maiden" in the clue, or the puzzle's overall theme (e.g., a "sports" or "historical events" themed puzzle), can hint at which meaning of "maiden" is intended.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is to see if it makes sense with the words that cross it. If a letter doesn't fit, your "maiden" answer might be incorrect.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'maiden' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'maiden' most commonly refers to an unmarried woman. However, it can also signify something being the 'first' or 'initial' of its kind (e.g., 'maiden voyage'), or in a specific context like cricket, a 'maiden over' (an over where no runs are scored).
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'maiden' in a crossword?
The number of letters required for the answer is often your biggest hint. Also, pay attention to any surrounding words in the clue or the overall theme of the puzzle. For instance, if the clue hints at travel or public speaking, think 'FIRST'. If it's a short answer and the puzzle has a sports theme, consider 'OVER'.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'maiden' in crosswords?
A common pitfall is to only consider the 'unmarried woman' meaning. Always keep the 'first' or 'new' interpretations in mind, as well as the cricket term, especially when the letter count doesn't fit 'VIRGIN' or a similar word. Crossword setters love to play on multiple meanings of a word.