nipped crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "nipped" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and confidently. Dive in to find your solution!
Solutions for "nipped crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BIT: Often refers to a quick, sharp bite or a small, sudden action. Commonly used for animal bites or a brief, sudden grasp.
5 Letters
STOLE: In informal English, 'nipped' can mean to quickly steal something, especially something small. Think of 'nipped a cookie'.
7 Letters
CHILLED: Refers to making something cold, as in 'nipped by the cold' or 'a nippy morning'. Describes the effect of a sharp cold.
SNIPPED: To cut something quickly and lightly with scissors or shears, often referring to a small portion being removed, like snipping threads.
TRIMMED: To cut the edges or ends of something, making it neat or reducing its size slightly. Often used for hair, hedges, or sails.
More About "nipped crossword clue"
"Nipped" is a wonderfully versatile word for crossword setters, as it boasts multiple meanings that can lead to quite different answers. This ambiguity is precisely what makes it a challenging yet rewarding clue. From a literal bite (think a dog nipping) to a colloquial term for petty theft, or even describing the briskness of cold weather, the word's context is key.
When you encounter 'nipped' in a crossword, always consider the possibility of it being used idiomatically. Phrases like "nipped in the bud" (meaning stopped early) can drastically change the expected answer. Crossword constructors love to play on these different senses, so an answer might be about curtailment rather than a physical action.
Another common usage points towards a quick, precise action, such as 'snipped' or 'trimmed' when talking about cutting. The past tense 'nipped' reinforces the completion of such an action. Always keep an open mind to the various synonyms and uses that 'nipped' implies across different scenarios.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: For words like "nipped" with multiple definitions, list out all possible interpretations (e.g., bite, steal, cold, cut, prevent).
- Check the letter count first: The number of letters in the answer slot is often the strongest hint, immediately eliminating many possibilities.
- Look at surrounding letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to confirm or rule out potential answers.
- Think about tense and form: "Nipped" is past tense. Ensure your answer is also past tense (e.g., BIT, STOLE, CHILLED, SNIPPED, TRIMMED).
- Ponder informal vs. formal: Sometimes "nipped" can be used colloquially (like for stealing), while other times it's more formal. Consider the overall tone of the puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of 'nipped' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'nipped' can refer to several actions: a quick bite (e.g., BIT), a quick theft (e.g., STOLE), a slight chill from cold weather (e.g., CHILLED), or a quick cut (e.g., SNIPPED, TRIMMED). The specific context of the puzzle usually guides which meaning is intended.
How does the letter count help in solving 'nipped' clues?
The letter count is crucial. For example, 'BIT' is a 3-letter answer, 'STOLE' is 5 letters, while 'SNIPPED' or 'TRIMMED' are 7 letters. Knowing the exact length of the answer slot significantly narrows down the possibilities, making it easier to select the correct synonym for 'nipped'.
Are there other phrases related to 'nipped' often used in crosswords?
Yes, common phrases include 'nipped in the bud' (meaning stopped early, perhaps answers like PREVENTED or HALTED) or 'a nippy day' (referring to cold weather, leading to answers like CHILLY or BRISK). Be aware of idiomatic expressions, as they are common in crossword clues.