servile follower crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "servile follower crossword". We've compiled a comprehensive list to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "servile follower crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TOADY: A person who flatters or defers to others for self-serving reasons; a sycophant.
6 Letters
LACKEY: A servant, especially a deferential or servile one.
MINION: A servile dependent or underling, often of a powerful person.
FLUNKY: A person who performs servile tasks; a sycophantic follower.
YESMAN: A person who agrees with everything said by someone in authority, often insincerely.
8 Letters
HENCHMAN: A trusted follower or supporter, often with a connotation of being subservient or complicit.
9 Letters
SYCOPHANT: A servile flatterer; someone who acts obsequiously to gain advantage.
More About "servile follower crossword"
"Servile follower" is a classic crossword clue that taps into vocabulary describing subservience, flattery, and uncritical obedience. The answers often draw from historical contexts of master-servant relationships or more general terms for those who curry favor. Recognising the nuances of 'servile' (obsequious, fawning, slavish) and 'follower' (dependent, adherent, disciple) is key to unlocking these puzzles.
Common answers include words like 'TOADY' or 'SYCOPHANT,' which focus on the flattery aspect, or 'LACKEY' and 'MINION,' which emphasize the subordinate role. The clue's elegance lies in its ability to evoke multiple synonyms that fit various letter counts, making it a recurring favorite among crossword setters.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Consider if "servile follower" implies excessive flattery (TOADY, SYCOPHANT) or merely an obedient subordinate (LACKEY, MINION). This subtle distinction can guide you to the correct answer.
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving deep into synonyms, identify the exact number of letters required. This instantly eliminates many possibilities and narrows your focus.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Some answers, especially longer ones, might use common prefixes or suffixes associated with roles or behaviors. While not directly applicable to all "servile follower" answers, this is a good general strategy.
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as a strong hint. Even one confirmed letter can make a difference in identifying the correct 'servile follower' word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a 'servile follower' in crosswords?
In crosswords, a 'servile follower' typically refers to someone who is excessively obedient, fawning, or obsequious to a person of higher rank or influence. Clues often point to words describing a subordinate, flatterer, or a person who lacks independent thought and blindly obeys.
Are there common themes for 'servile follower' answers?
Yes, answers often revolve around historical or literary terms for servants (e.g., LACKEY, MINION, FLUNKY), or terms for sycophantic individuals (e.g., TOADY, SYCOPHANT, YESMAN). Understanding these archetypes can help narrow down possibilities.
How can I distinguish between similar 'servile follower' answers?
Pay close attention to the number of letters required for the answer. While words like 'LACKEY' and 'MINION' both fit the general description, their letter counts (both six) help confirm if they match the grid. Context from other solved letters in the puzzle is also crucial.