persuasive flattery crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "persuasive flattery crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers across various letter counts, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "persuasive flattery crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SOAP: A common term for insincere or persuasive flattery, often in the phrase 'soft soap'.
7 Letters
COAXING: The act of gently and persistently persuading someone to do something, often through kind words or flattery.
8 Letters
CAJOLERY: Persuasion by flattery or promises; wheedling; coaxing, implying a manipulative intent.
12 Letters
BLANDISHMENT: Flattering or pleasing statements or actions used to persuade someone gently to do something, often with a hint of insincerity.
More About "persuasive flattery crossword"
"Persuasive flattery" is a classic crossword clue that often points to words describing insincere praise or manipulation through compliments. It's distinct from simple 'flattery' because it carries the connotation of an ulterior motive – using charm or compliments to achieve a specific outcome from the person being flattered.
Common answers for this clue highlight the nuanced shades of persuasion, from the subtle "soft SOAP" to more elaborate "BLANDISHMENT" or "CAJOLERY". These words often appear in crosswords because they require solvers to delve deeper into vocabulary, considering the context and subtle differences in meaning. Understanding these distinctions is key to mastering complex crossword puzzles.
When you encounter this clue, consider the number of letters and any other intersecting words to pinpoint the exact answer. The synonyms for 'persuasive flattery' are rich and varied, making it a favorite among crossword setters to test a solver's lexicon.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "persuasive flattery," pay close attention to adjectives. Words like "persuasive," "insincere," or "artful" often guide you to more specific and manipulative forms of the root word.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, the answer might be part of a common phrase. For "flattery," consider phrases like "soft SOAP" or "smooth-talk," which might provide shorter or hyphenated answers.
- Check Letter Count and Crossings: Always use the exact letter count and intersecting letters from other clues to narrow down potential answers. If 'CAJOLERY' fits the length but doesn't match a single crossing letter, it's likely not the intended answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between flattery and persuasive flattery in crosswords?
While 'flattery' is a general term, 'persuasive flattery' specifically implies an ulterior motive—using compliments to influence someone's actions or opinions. Crossword clues often use words like "persuasive" or "insincere" to narrow down the answer to terms like CAJOLERY or BLANDISHMENT, which inherently suggest a manipulative intent.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers for the same length?
Crossword puzzles are created by many different constructors and can be published in various sources. Sometimes, a clue might have multiple valid answers that fit the same letter count, depending on the specific context, the constructor's preferred vocabulary, or how common a word is. Always check crossing letters to confirm the correct solution.
How can I tell if a "flattery" clue is looking for a longer or shorter answer?
Look for additional descriptive words in the clue. Words like "insincere," "artful," "excessive," or "unctuous" often point to longer, more nuanced terms like BLANDISHMENT or CAJOLERY. Shorter clues might just be "flattery" or "soft soap," leading to answers like SOAP. The surrounding letters in the grid are always the best guide.