notch crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "notch crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by length, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "notch crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CUT: A simple incision or opening, often a direct synonym for a 'notch'.
4 Letters
NICK: A small cut or indentation, frequently made to mark something.
MARK: A visible impression or indentation on a surface, signifying a 'notch'.
SLIT: A long, narrow cut or opening, which can be considered a type of 'notch'.
5 Letters
LEVEL: A position on a scale or in a hierarchy, often referring to a specific point or grade, as in 'a new notch'.
SCORE: An incision or mark, especially one made for keeping count or to show a cut.
6 Letters
GROOVE: A long, narrow cut or depression in a surface, a common meaning for 'notch'.
INDENT: To make a sharp, deep recess or cut into a surface, closely related to a 'notch'.
DEGREE: A stage or level in a scale or ranking, often used metaphorically for a 'notch up' in quality or status.
More About "notch crossword clue"
The clue "notch" is a versatile term in crosswords, capable of referring to both literal physical indentations and more abstract levels or achievements. Literally, a notch is a V-shaped cut or indentation on an edge or surface, often used for counting or fitting things together. This leads to answers like NICK, GROOVE, or SLIT.
However, 'notch' can also imply a step up or a specific point on a scale, as in "she went up a notch in her career." This metaphorical usage expands the possible answers to words like LEVEL or DEGREE. Pay close attention to the context of the entire clue and any intersecting letters to determine whether a literal or figurative meaning is intended.
Understanding these dual interpretations is key to successfully solving "notch" clues. Crossword setters love to play on such double meanings, making what seems like a simple word much more challenging.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. They are your most reliable guide to confirming an answer's fit.
- Consider Synonyms and Homophones: For clues like "notch," think broadly about synonyms (cut, mark) and also how the word might sound similar to another (though less common for 'notch', this is a general tip).
- Think Literal vs. Figurative: As with "notch," many crossword clues have both a direct, literal meaning and a metaphorical or idiomatic one. Try both angles if you're stuck.
- Count the Letters Carefully: Double-check the number of boxes provided in the grid. This is a fundamental and often overlooked step that can immediately rule out many possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common pitfall when solving 'notch' clues?
A common pitfall is only considering the literal meaning (a cut or indentation) and forgetting the metaphorical sense of a 'level' or 'degree'. Always broaden your thinking to include both interpretations.
Does the length of the 'notch' answer matter for its meaning?
Yes, often. Shorter answers like CUT or NICK tend to be more literal, while longer answers like GROOVE, INDENT, or DEGREE can lean into either literal or more nuanced metaphorical meanings. The length provides a crucial constraint.
How do I know if 'notch' refers to a physical mark or a level?
Look for additional words in the clue. Phrases like "in a tree," "on wood," or "made by a tool" would point to a physical mark. Phrases like "up a," "higher," or "of success" would suggest a metaphorical level or degree.