pry crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "pry," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. Find the perfect fit for your grid below!
Solutions for "pry crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PEEK: To look or glance secretively, often in a way that suggests curiosity or intrusion without permission.
5 Letters
SNOOP: To investigate or look around secretly, especially to find out private or confidential information.
LEVER: To use a lever to move, lift, or open something, often implying the application of force to a stuck object.
6 Letters
MEDDLE: To interfere in something that is not one's concern, often in a busybody or intrusive manner, similar to prying into affairs.
7 Letters
INQUIRE: To ask for information from someone. While generally neutral, excessive questioning can be perceived as prying.
More About "pry crossword clue"
The word "pry" is a versatile term in English, and its dual meanings make it a popular and sometimes tricky crossword clue. On one hand, "pry" can mean to inquire or snoop, delving into matters that aren't strictly one's business. This often implies an act of curiosity, whether innocent or intrusive, such as "prying into someone's past" or "prying eyes." Common answers reflecting this meaning include PEEK, SNOOP, and MEDDLE, all hinting at secretive or unwanted observation and interference.
On the other hand, "pry" also refers to using force to open, lift, or separate something. This mechanical sense of the word is typically associated with tools, like a crowbar or a lever. Examples include "prying open a stuck window" or "prying apart two glued pieces." Answers such as LEVER or WRENCH (though not included as an answer example above, it's a common tool for prying) fit this interpretation. Crossword setters often play on these different meanings, so understanding the nuance of the clue within the context of the puzzle's theme or other crossing words is essential.
When you encounter "pry" in a crossword, consider the context carefully. Is it hinting at a nosy action or a physical act of force? The surrounding clues, the number of letters, and even the type of crossword (e.g., cryptic vs. standard) can provide valuable hints. This dual nature is what makes "pry" a fun challenge for solvers and a rich source of potential answers for setters.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "pry," which have multiple meanings (e.g., to snoop vs. to force open), consider the overall theme of the puzzle or other solved clues to determine the intended interpretation.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer's letter count to the available spaces in the grid. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The letters from crossing answers are your best friends! They can confirm or rule out a potential solution, especially when dealing with ambiguous clues like "pry."
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct answer doesn't come to mind, brainstorm synonyms for "pry" (like 'snoop', 'poke', 'force') or even antonyms if the clue hints at an opposite meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings of 'pry' in crosswords?
'Pry' can refer to looking or investigating secretively (like 'snoop' or 'peek'), or it can mean to force something open or apart (like 'lever' or 'wrench'). Context is key!
How does word length help when solving 'pry' clues?
Knowing the word length narrows down possibilities significantly. For example, 'peek' is 4 letters, while 'eavesdrop' is 9. Always check the grid for the number of available squares.
Are there synonyms for 'pry' that commonly appear in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms or related actions include 'snoop', 'peek', 'meddle', 'inquire', 'nudge', 'force', 'lever', and 'gouge'. Many of these have appeared as solutions for 'pry' clues in various crosswords.