nip crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stumped by the clue "nip" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "nip crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SIP: A small drink, often a quick taste.
4 Letters
BITE: A quick, sharp grab or a small piece of food.
5 Letters
CHILL: A slight coldness, as in "a nip in the air".
TASTE: A small amount of food or drink to sample.
PINCH: To squeeze sharply, or a small amount of something.
More About "nip crossword clue"
The word "nip" is a crossword setter's delight due to its versatility and multiple meanings. Depending on the context provided by the full clue, "nip" could refer to a variety of things. It can denote a small, quick action, like a bite or a pinch. It can also describe a small quantity, particularly of liquid, such as a "nip of whiskey." Furthermore, it's commonly used to describe a sudden, sharp cold sensation, as in "a nip in the air."
Understanding these different interpretations is key to solving "nip" clues. Crossword puzzles often play on these nuances, sometimes using a pun or a clever rephrasing of one of "nip's" many definitions. Always consider the length of the required answer and how other words in the clue might point to a specific meaning, helping you distinguish between a "nip" as a drink and a "nip" as a chilly sensation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The first step for any crossword clue, including "nip," is to count the available spaces. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and often eliminates many potential answers.
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Think about all the different synonyms for "nip" that fit the letter count. For example, if "nip" is clued as "a small amount," consider words like SIP, TASTE, DASH, or DROP. If it's about cold, think CHILL. The surrounding words in the clue are vital context.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words. This is often the most critical strategy. Even if you have several words that fit the clue and the length, only one will correctly align with the intersecting letters.
- Look for Idioms or Phrases: Sometimes, "nip" is part of a larger phrase (e.g., "nip in the bud"). If a single-word answer isn't fitting, consider if the clue is hinting at an idiomatic expression.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'nip' have so many different crossword answers?
The word 'nip' is highly polysemous, meaning it has multiple meanings depending on the context. In crosswords, clues are designed to exploit these different meanings. 'Nip' can refer to a small amount of liquid (sip, taste, drop), a quick bite or pinch (bite, peck, pinch), a sudden cold sensation (chill), or even an action like 'to cut quickly' (snip). The specific context within your puzzle, often hinted at by other words in the clue or intersecting letters, will guide you to the correct answer.
How can I determine the correct 'nip' answer for my puzzle?
To correctly identify the answer for 'nip', always check the number of letters required. Then, consider the surrounding clues and any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. For example, if the clue is 'A bit of a chill' and you need 5 letters, 'CHILL' is a strong candidate. If it's 'Small drink' and 3 letters, 'SIP' is likely. The definition provided alongside the clue is also crucial; it will often lean towards one specific meaning of 'nip'.
Are there common phrases involving 'nip' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, 'nip' often appears as part of common idioms or phrases in crosswords. Examples include 'NIP IN THE BUD' (to stop something at an early stage), 'NIP AND TUCK' (a close contest or a cosmetic surgery), or 'NIP AT' (to bite or snatch at something quickly). These phrases can sometimes be the hidden meaning behind a clue, requiring you to think beyond a single word definition of 'nip'.