secretive relationship crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue 'secretive relationship crossword clue', you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate, and detailed solutions to help you complete your puzzle. Discover all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "secretive relationship crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
LIAISON: A secret, often illicit, relationship between two people, especially one that involves a hidden romantic or sexual connection.
6 Letters
AFFAIR: A secret romantic or sexual relationship between two people, typically when at least one of them is married or in a committed relationship with someone else.
5 Letters
FLING: A short and casual romantic or sexual relationship, often implying a lack of seriousness or commitment, and typically kept private.
More About "secretive relationship crossword clue"
The phrase 'secretive relationship' often appears in crosswords to challenge solvers' understanding of words that denote clandestine romantic or social connections. These terms go beyond simple romance, usually implying discretion, hidden meetings, or a deliberate effort to keep the relationship out of public view. The reasons for such secrecy can range from societal disapproval, professional implications, or existing commitments.
Crossword setters love these clues because they can draw upon a rich vocabulary. Words like 'liaison' or 'affair' immediately bring to mind clandestine encounters, while terms like 'fling' might suggest a more fleeting, yet still hidden, connection. Understanding the nuances of these words is key to correctly identifying the answer in a puzzle, as the specific context of the clue can sometimes point to a particular level of formality or duration of the secrecy.
When encountering such clues, consider the number of letters and any intersecting words. The answers often relate to situations where discretion is paramount, making them fertile ground for clever wordplay and misdirection in the world of crosswords. Focusing on synonyms for 'secret' and 'relationship' is always a good starting point.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For 'secretive relationship', think of words related to 'secret', 'hidden', 'clandestine', and 'relationship', 'romance', 'connection'. Often, the clue is a synonym for the answer.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify your potential answer against the required letter count. This is often the quickest way to rule out incorrect possibilities.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them as vital clues. They can confirm a suspicion or eliminate a wrong guess for 'secretive relationship'.
- Think Figuratively: Sometimes, clues aren't literal. While 'secretive relationship' seems straightforward, some related clues might use euphemisms or indirect language.
- Broaden Your Vocabulary: Words like LIAISON, AFFAIR, and FLING are common in this context. Familiarize yourself with vocabulary often used for social dynamics.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are "secretive relationship" clues common in crosswords?
They tap into a relatable human experience and offer a variety of specific, often evocative, words (like affair, liaison, fling) that fit different letter counts, making them versatile for setters.
How can I tell if the clue refers to a short-term or long-term secret relationship?
Look for additional context in the clue itself. Words like "brief," "casual," or "summer" might suggest a shorter term (e.g., FLING), while "ongoing" or "illicit bond" might point to a more established, albeit hidden, relationship (e.g., LIAISON, AFFAIR).
Are all "secretive relationship" answers negative?
Not necessarily. While 'affair' and 'liaison' often carry negative connotations of infidelity, terms like 'rendezvous' can simply mean a pre-arranged, private meeting without negative implications, though still secretive. The context of the specific crossword puzzle can guide interpretation.