mine crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "mine crossword clue" in your puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "mine crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PIT: A large hole or excavation in the ground, often referring to a mine.
ORE: A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted, often found in a mine.
OWN: To possess something; relates to "mine" as a possessive pronoun.
DIG: To excavate or break up ground, an action frequently associated with mining.
4 Letters
LODE: A rich vein of metallic ore in the earth.
SEEK: To try to find or obtain something, like miners seek for gold or diamonds.
5 Letters
SHAFT: A long, narrow, typically vertical or inclined passage in a mine.
CLAIM: A piece of land that someone says is theirs, especially in the context of mining for minerals.
6 Letters
QUARRY: A large, deep pit from which stone or other materials are extracted.
7 Letters
EXPLOIT: To make full use of and derive benefit from a resource, such as a mineral deposit.
GALLERY: A long, narrow passage or corridor, often used to refer to a horizontal tunnel in a mine.
8 Letters
EXCAVATE: To dig out material from the earth, a primary activity in mining.
9 Letters
UNDERMINE: To excavate beneath a structure or a person's authority; also literally to dig a mine under something.
More About "mine crossword clue"
The word "mine" is a fascinating clue in crosswords because of its dual nature. It can function as a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership (as in "this book is mine"), or as a noun/verb related to extraction from the earth. This duality is often what makes "mine crossword clue" challenging for solvers.
When "mine" refers to an excavation, clues might hint at digging, minerals, tunnels, or specific geological features. Common answers include terms like PIT, SHAFT, ORE, or LODE. If the clue focuses on the act of extraction or development, words like EXPLOIT or EXCAVATE could fit. Understanding this distinction is key to selecting the correct answer from the available letter counts.
On the other hand, if "mine" is used in its possessive sense, the clue will usually involve ownership, belonging, or personal association. In such cases, answers like OWN are highly likely. Always consider the context provided by the rest of the clue and any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many crossword clues, like "mine," are designed to have multiple meanings. Always think beyond the most obvious interpretation.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most reliable guide. If "mine" could be PIT (3 letters) or SHAFT (5 letters), the grid will tell you which one is correct.
- Look for Context Clues: Words in the clue like "excavation," "ore," "possessive," or "belonging" will steer you towards the right meaning of "mine."
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't guess. Use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words to confirm your answer. If 'P' is the first letter, 'PIT' is more likely than 'OWN'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'mine' mean in a crossword clue?
'Mine' can have several meanings in crosswords. It commonly refers to an excavation site for minerals (e.g., a 'pit' or 'shaft'), the act of digging or extracting (e.g., 'excavate' or 'exploit'), or the possessive pronoun (e.g., 'own'). The context of the other clues and given letters will narrow it down.
How do I determine if 'mine' refers to a digging site or possession?
Look at the length of the answer and any intersecting letters. If the clue hints at digging, excavation, or geological features, it likely refers to a site or action (e.g., 'pit', 'ore', 'shaft'). If the clue is more abstract or refers to ownership, it might be the possessive meaning (e.g., 'own'). Pay attention to wordplay and synonyms.
Are there common synonyms for 'mine' in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms for 'mine' often include PIT, ORE, SHAFT, LODE, DIG, QUARRY, and EXCAVATE when referring to the excavation aspect. For the possessive meaning, OWN is a frequent answer. The specific nuance of the clue will guide you to the correct synonym.