prods pushes crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "prods pushes" and need a little nudge in the right direction, you've come to the perfect place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "prods pushes crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
GOADS: To prod or urge, often with a pointed stick or strong encouragement, fitting the sense of 'prods pushes'.
URGES: To push or drive onward; to implore or strongly advise, which perfectly matches the meaning of 'prods pushes'.
6 Letters
NUDGES: To push gently, often with the elbow, to attract attention or encourage action, aligning with 'prods pushes'.
More About "prods pushes crossword clue"
The clue "prods pushes" is a classic example of a crossword clue that relies on synonyms and slight variations in meaning. Both "prod" and "push" imply an action of moving something or someone forward, either physically or metaphorically. In crosswords, clues like this often test your vocabulary for verbs that describe subtle or direct forms of encouragement or manipulation.
When you encounter a plural verb ending in 's', such as 'prods' and 'pushes', it's a strong indicator that your answer will also be a plural verb or a verb in the third-person singular present tense, ending in 'S'. This grammatical consistency is a common trick used by crossword setters to guide solvers towards the correct word form.
Understanding the nuances between 'prod' (often implying a poke or gentle incitement) and 'push' (implying a more forceful or direct movement) is key. Answers like GOADS combine both the idea of a physical stimulus and a strong urge, while NUDGES focuses on the lighter, more subtle aspect of encouragement. Consider the context of your puzzle's intersecting letters to pinpoint the exact match.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tense and Number: Always pay attention to whether the clue is singular or plural, past, present, or future tense. "Prods pushes" clearly indicates a plural or third-person singular present tense verb, meaning your answer should follow suit.
- Consider All Synonyms: If a clue gives you multiple synonyms, brainstorm as many related words as possible for each. Sometimes the answer is a less common synonym that fits perfectly with the letter count.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: The most crucial tip! Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to narrow down your options. This will quickly eliminate incorrect answers that might otherwise seem plausible.
- Think Beyond Literal Meanings: Crossword clues often use wordplay, homophones, or require you to think outside the box. While "prods pushes" is fairly direct, always be prepared for a clever twist.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'prod' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'prod' typically means to encourage, stimulate, or poke, often leading to answers like GOADS, NUDGES, or STIRS, which imply a gentle or forceful push to action.
How can I solve clues with multiple synonyms like 'prods pushes'?
When a clue includes multiple synonyms, it often indicates a verb in a specific tense (e.g., plural 's' ending for 'prods pushes'). Look for answers that match both meanings and the required word length, and fit with intersecting letters.
Are there common themes for 'prods' or 'pushes' clues?
Clues involving 'prods' or 'pushes' often relate to encouragement, motivation, physical movement, or even manipulation. Common themes include prompting, urging, stirring, or driving something forward.