poison crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "poison crossword," helping you swiftly complete your puzzle. We've gathered all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "poison crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BANE: A cause of great distress or annoyance, often leading to destruction or ruin; a specific type of poison, especially in older contexts (e.g., wolfsbane).
5 Letters
VENOM: A poisonous substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, or scorpions, typically injected into victims by a bite or sting.
TOXIN: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms; a specific poison.
6 Letters
CURARE: A highly toxic plant extract, often used as a paralytic poison on arrows by indigenous peoples in South America.
7 Letters
HEMLOCK: A highly poisonous plant with small white flowers, famously used to execute Socrates.
ARSENIC: A brittle, steel-grey chemical element, extremely poisonous and historically used as a common poison.
CYANIDE: An extremely rapid-acting and deadly chemical poison, often with an almond-like smell.
10 Letters
STRYCHNINE: A highly poisonous, bitter, crystalline alkaloid obtained from nux vomica and other plants.
More About "poison crossword"
The clue "poison crossword" can refer to a multitude of answers, ranging from specific toxic substances to more metaphorical interpretations of something that corrupts or destroys. Crossword constructors often play on these dual meanings, which can make the clue both challenging and rewarding. Literal poisons include well-known chemical compounds like ARSENIC or CYANIDE, or biological toxins like VENOM. These answers usually fit into clues that are quite direct, perhaps mentioning "toxic," "lethal," or "dangerous substance."
However, "poison" can also extend to concepts that metaphorically "poison" something – a relationship, an atmosphere, or even a mind. For instance, BANE might be a suitable answer if the clue suggests a source of ruin or destruction. Consider the context of the puzzle, the tone of the clue, and any surrounding letters you've already filled in to determine whether a literal or figurative answer is required. This versatility is part of what makes "poison" such a common and intriguing crossword clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "poison," consider if the constructor is looking for a literal chemical or biological agent, or a metaphorical term for something harmful or destructive. This often dictates the range of possible answers.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letter count to potential answers. If you have 7 letters, you can immediately rule out VENOM (5) and focus on options like HEMLOCK or ARSENIC for "poison."
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of synonyms for "poison" (like TOXIN, VENOM, CURARE) but also consider how it might be used metaphorically or as a verb (e.g., to taint, to corrupt).
- Contextual Clues: Sometimes the full crossword puzzle's theme or other clues can hint at whether a science-based answer, a historical reference, or a more general term is expected for "poison."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of "poison" clues in crosswords?
Crossword clues for "poison" can be literal (referring to toxic substances like ARSENIC, TOXIN, VENOM) or metaphorical (like BANE, RUIN, VIRUS, meaning something destructive or harmful). They might also refer to specific plants (HEMLOCK, NIGHTSHADE) or historical uses.
How do I distinguish between literal and metaphorical poison answers?
Pay close attention to the clue's wording. Words like "toxic substance," "venomous," or specific chemical names usually point to literal poisons. Clues involving "destroy," "corrupt," "undoing," or "curse" might indicate a metaphorical answer. Checking the letter count and surrounding letters can also help narrow it down.
Are there common word lengths for "poison" answers?
"Poison" answers can vary greatly in length, from short ones like BANE (4 letters) or PEST (4 letters) to longer ones like HEMLOCK (7 letters), ARSENIC (7 letters), or STRYCHNINE (10 letters). Having a range of possible answers by length is key to solving these clues effectively.