pounds crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "pounds" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. This word can have several meanings, leading to varied answers depending on the context. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer.
Solutions for "pounds crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
LBS: Abbreviation for pounds, commonly used for weight.
4 Letters
CAGE: An enclosure for animals, often referred to as a "dog pound" or animal shelter.
5 Letters
BEATS: To hit repeatedly or strike forcefully, synonymous with the action of pounding.
6 Letters
SMACKS: Delivers sharp, forceful blows, which can be synonymous with 'pounding'.
8 Letters
STERLING: The full name for the British currency unit, the Pound Sterling.
More About "pounds crossword clue"
The word "pounds" is a fascinating crossword clue because of its rich polysemy – having multiple meanings. This makes it a favorite among crossword setters for its ability to mislead and challenge solvers. Understanding these different contexts is key to cracking the puzzle.
It can refer to units of weight (e.g., as in '10 pounds of sugar'), the British currency (the Pound Sterling), the act of hitting or striking something repeatedly (e.g., 'to pound a nail'), or even a place where stray animals are kept (an animal pound). The specific meaning intended in a crossword often depends on the surrounding words in the clue or the number of letters in the expected answer. For instance, a clue mentioning "British money" would clearly point to the currency, while "unit of weight" would suggest the measurement.
Always consider the various facets of "pounds" and how they might fit the puzzle's grid and other solved letters. This multi-layered nature is what makes crosswords both frustrating and immensely satisfying!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuances: For words like "pounds," always consider all possible meanings – verb, noun, currency, weight, etc. The precise wording of the clue is your biggest hint.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is a crucial filter. If "pounds" is clued for a 3-letter answer, 'LBS' is much more likely than 'STERLING'.
- Look for Contextual Cues: Pay attention to other words in the clue. Words like "British," "money," "weight," "animal," or "strike" can narrow down the intended meaning of "pounds" significantly.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve difficult clues in isolation. Use the letters from answers you've already confidently placed to fill in gaps and eliminate possibilities for tricky clues like "pounds."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'pounds' have so many different answers in crosswords?
'Pounds' is a highly versatile word in English with multiple meanings. It can refer to units of weight (e.g., 'lbs'), currency (e.g., 'pound sterling'), an action (e.g., 'to beat' or 'to hit'), or even a place where stray animals are kept (an animal 'pound'). Crossword setters often exploit these different definitions to create challenging clues, requiring solvers to consider context carefully.
How can I determine if 'pounds' refers to weight or currency?
Look for accompanying words in the clue. If it mentions 'currency,' 'money,' 'cash,' or a specific country like 'British,' it likely refers to money. If it mentions 'weight,' 'measure,' 'heavy,' or 'load,' it points to a unit of weight. Sometimes, the length of the answer can also give a clue; for example, 'LBS' is short, while 'STERLING' is longer.
What other types of clues often have multiple meanings like 'pounds'?
Many common words can have multiple meanings, leading to ambiguous crossword clues. Examples include 'bank' (river bank or financial institution), 'spring' (season, water source, or a jump), 'bat' (animal or sports equipment), and 'lead' (the metal or to guide). Always consider all possible definitions of a word when you're stuck on a clue.