obliquely crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "obliquely". We've gathered all possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "obliquely crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
AWRY: This means away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course; askew. Often used when something is not straight or goes wrong.
6 Letters
ASLANT: Meaning in a slanting or sloping position. It directly implies an indirect or angled orientation, fitting 'obliquely'.
7 Letters
ASKANCE: With an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval. Also, sometimes used to mean sideways or indirectly.
8 Letters
SIDEWAYS: From side to side rather than forwards or backward; also, indirectly or by an indirect route.
10 Letters
DIAGONALLY: In a diagonal direction, specifically across a straight line or surface at an angle.
More About "obliquely crossword clue"
"Obliquely" is a popular crossword clue because it has several synonyms of varying lengths that all convey a similar sense of indirectness or being at an angle. The word itself comes from the Latin "obliquus," meaning "slanting." Understanding this root helps in identifying related terms. When you encounter this clue, think about words that describe a deviation from a straight path, whether physically (like a line that's not horizontal or vertical) or figuratively (like an indirect comment).
Crossword setters often use "obliquely" to test a solver's vocabulary around spatial relationships and nuances of meaning. It's less about a specific object and more about the manner or direction. Consider how a glance can be "askance," or a picture can hang "awry" or "aslant." All these words share the core concept of not being straightforward, which is central to "obliquely."
Solving clues like "obliquely" often requires considering the broader context of the puzzle, such as adjacent letters you've already filled in. This can quickly narrow down the possibilities among words like AWRY, ASLANT, or ASKANCE, which might otherwise all fit the basic meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of boxes available for your answer. Even if you think a word fits, the exact letter count is your most reliable guide for clues like 'obliquely' that have multiple synonyms.
- Consider Nuances: While many words fit "obliquely," some might imply a subtle difference. "Askance" often carries a connotation of suspicion, whereas "aslant" is purely about angle. Let the surrounding clues or other parts of the puzzle hint at which nuance is intended.
- Think about Usage: How is the word typically used in a sentence? If the clue is part of a phrase or a quote, try to imagine which synonym for 'obliquely' would sound most natural in that context.
- Utilize Cross-References: If you're stuck, try to solve intersecting words first. Filling in a few letters can turn a challenging "obliquely" clue into an obvious solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'obliquely' mean in the context of a crossword clue?
'Obliquely' suggests something that is not direct, straightforward, or at a right angle. It implies an angled, indirect, or slanting approach or position. In crosswords, it often hints at words like ASLANT, AWRY, ASKANCE, or SIDEWAYS.
How can I identify synonyms for 'obliquely' in a crossword puzzle?
Look for words that describe indirectness, an angle, or a deviation from a straight line. Consider words related to slanting, veering, or looking askew. The number of letters in the solution will often be your best guide once you have a few options in mind.
Are there common tricks or wordplay associated with 'obliquely' clues?
Sometimes 'obliquely' might be used to indicate a word that is hidden or spelled backward in another part of the clue, or it could refer to a word that has a visual slant or twist if drawn out. More commonly, it simply asks for a direct synonym that fits the word length.