mattock like tool crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "mattock like tool crossword clue," you've come to the right place for quick, reliable answers and detailed explanations. We've compiled all possible solutions to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "mattock like tool crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ADZE: A tool similar to an axe, with its blade set at right angles to the handle, used for dressing timber, sharing a structural resemblance to a mattock.
7 Letters
PICKAXE: A heavy tool with a pointed end and often a chisel end, similar to a mattock, used for breaking hard ground.
GRUBHOE: A heavy-duty hoe specifically designed for grubbing out roots and breaking tough soil, functioning similarly to a mattock for certain tasks.
More About "mattock like tool crossword clue"
The clue "mattock like tool" points to implements that share characteristics with a mattock – primarily heavy-duty digging, chopping, or prying. A mattock itself is an ancient and versatile tool, essential for gardening, landscaping, and construction, particularly when dealing with compacted soil, roots, or stubborn terrain.
Tools considered "mattock-like" often feature a robust head designed for significant impact and leverage, attached to a strong handle. While their specific uses might vary (e.g., a pickaxe for rock, an adze for shaping wood), their fundamental design of a heavy working head on a long handle connects them. Crossword setters often use "like" to suggest a family of tools, a similar function, or even a resemblance in form.
Understanding the nuances of such tools can greatly assist in solving crosswords, as clues may play on shared characteristics rather than identical functions. Always consider the primary purpose and the physical attributes of the tools when faced with "like" clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the "like" clause: When a clue includes "like [tool/object]", think about the core function, shape, or common application of the mentioned item. For "mattock like tool," consider its heavy-duty nature and digging/chopping capabilities.
- Consider synonyms and related terms: Sometimes the answer isn't a direct synonym but a tool used in a similar context or for a similar purpose. Think about other construction or gardening implements.
- Check intersecting letters: If you have some letters from intersecting words, use them to narrow down possibilities. The fewer blanks you have, the easier it is to identify the correct tool.
- Think about less common tools: While pickaxe is very common, sometimes crosswords delve into more niche tools like an adze or grub hoe, especially in more challenging puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mattock?
A mattock is a hand tool used for digging, prying, and chopping, particularly in hard or stony ground. It typically has a robust handle and a head with two ends: one a broad cutting blade (like an axe) and the other a narrow pick or chisel.
How is a pickaxe similar to a mattock?
Both pickaxes and mattocks are heavy-duty digging and prying tools with long handles and robust heads. While a mattock usually has a broad blade and a pick/chisel, a pickaxe typically has two pointed ends or one pointed and one chisel end. They are similar in their heavy construction and primary use for breaking hard surfaces.
Can an 'adze' be considered 'mattock-like'?
While an adze is primarily used for shaping wood and has its blade perpendicular to the handle (unlike a mattock's parallel blade), its robust head and long handle give it a structural resemblance. In crossword puzzles, the 'like' qualifier can sometimes refer to general appearance or a shared characteristic (a heavy head on a handle).