short crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "short crossword clue", ranging across various letter counts. Whether you're stuck or just verifying, we have the answer for you.
Solutions for "short crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ABBR: Often stands for 'abbreviation' in crosswords, which is a common 'short clue'.
HINT: A 'short' piece of information designed to help solve a puzzle.
ITEM: Can refer to a singular "short" entry or piece of a clue.
CURT: A direct synonym for short, implying abruptness or brevity.
5 Letters
BRIEF: A direct synonym for 'short', also describing the nature of a concise crossword clue.
MICRO: A prefix meaning extremely small or short.
6 Letters
TEASER: A type of clue that is 'short' but designed to intrigue or puzzle the solver.
SNAPPY: Describing something quick, short, and to the point, much like a concise clue.
More About "short crossword clue"
The term "short crossword clue" can be interpreted in several ways within the world of puzzles. Most commonly, it refers to clues that are terse and concise, sometimes just one word, demanding a precise and often cleverly disguised answer. These clues are a cornerstone of crossword construction, designed to be challenging by their very brevity.
Alternatively, "short crossword clue" could be a self-referential clue itself, prompting answers like ABBR (abbreviation) or HINT, which are by their nature "short" forms of guidance. Understanding the potential for double meanings and wordplay is key to cracking these seemingly simple but often complex entries.
Whether you're dealing with a short clue's literal meaning or its hidden wordplay, success often comes from considering all possible interpretations and thinking outside the box. This page aims to provide you with all the common solutions, helping you to master these concise brain-teasers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: Even for a "short" clue, knowing the exact letter count of the answer is crucial. It drastically narrows down possibilities.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Short clues often use words with multiple meanings. Think of all possible interpretations of each word in the clue.
- Look for Abbreviations: Many short clues lead to common abbreviations. If the clue seems too simple, an abbreviation might be the trick.
- Check for Homophones/Puns: A "short" clue can easily hide a pun or a word that sounds like another. Read the clue aloud!
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting letters from other solved clues to help fill in the blanks for difficult short clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue "short"?
A "short" crossword clue typically refers to its concise wording, often just one or two words, or a very brief phrase. It challenges solvers to find a precise answer with minimal guidance, relying more on wordplay, common abbreviations, or direct synonyms.
How do I approach very short crossword clues?
When faced with a very short clue, consider common abbreviations, acronyms, or proper nouns. Also, think about different meanings of the clue words (e.g., "bank" can be a river bank or a financial institution). The fewer words in the clue, the more possibilities the setter can hide.
Are all short clues simple?
Not necessarily. While some short clues might lead to straightforward answers, many are designed to be tricky. They often use puns, double meanings, or require a specific type of wordplay (like an anagram or a hidden word) that isn't immediately obvious despite the clue's brevity.