sharpening crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "sharpening crossword clue". We've gathered the most common solutions across various letter lengths to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "sharpening crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HONE: To refine or perfect over time, often referring to a skill, but also physically sharpening a blade or tool.
WHET: To sharpen the blade of a tool or weapon, or to stimulate an appetite or interest.
FILE: To smooth, reduce, or sharpen something, typically with a file, a tool with a ridged surface.
5 Letters
GRIND: To sharpen or smooth (something) by friction, typically with a grindstone or similar abrasive surface.
More About "sharpening crossword clue"
The clue "sharpening" often appears in crosswords, and its interpretation can be both literal and figurative. Literally, it refers to making an edge or point keener, as with a knife, pencil, or razor. Figuratively, it can imply improving or refining a skill, one's wit, or an argument. This duality is a common trick used by crossword setters to challenge solvers.
When encountering such a clue, consider the context of the puzzle: Is it a cryptic crossword known for wordplay, or a more straightforward general knowledge puzzle? The surrounding letters in the grid are also invaluable hints, as they help narrow down the possible answers based on their length and specific characters.
Answers like HONE, WHET, GRIND, and FILE are frequently seen, each carrying a slightly different nuance of the sharpening process. Understanding these nuances can help you select the precise word that fits the grid and the setter's intent.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Distinguish Literal vs. Figurative: Always consider if the clue points to a physical act of sharpening (like a knife) or a metaphorical one (like sharpening one's mind). This is a common way setters mislead.
- Check Word Length: Use the number of available boxes in the grid as your primary guide. If you have partial letters, try to fit in common words that match those letters and the clue's meaning.
- Think Synonyms and Homophones: "Sharpening" can have many synonyms. Also, consider if the clue is a homophone for something related to sharpening (e.g., 'whet' sounding like 'wet').
- Analyze Surrounding Clues: Sometimes a related clue in the puzzle can give you a hint or confirm a letter for your "sharpening" answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sharpening' refer to in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, 'sharpening' can refer to both literal acts like making a knife or pencil sharper, and figurative actions such as improving skills or making one's wit more acute. Clues often play on these dual meanings, requiring solvers to consider the broader context of the puzzle.
Are there common tricks related to 'sharpening' clues?
Yes, common tricks for 'sharpening' clues include looking for synonyms (hone, whet, file, grind), considering idiomatic expressions, or identifying wordplay. Sometimes the clue might hint at the object being sharpened (e.g., 'pencil sharpener' leading to an answer for the 'sharpener' part).
How do I find the correct word length for 'sharpening' answers?
To find the correct word length, check the number of empty squares in your crossword grid. If you have some letters already filled in, use those to narrow down possibilities. Many crossword resources also list answers by letter count, which is a great way to verify your potential solutions.