short pithy saying crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "short pithy saying" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your grid quickly and accurately. Find your solution below!
Solutions for "short pithy saying crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ADAGE: A short, popular saying that expresses a general truth or pieces of advice.
MAXIM: A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
7 Letters
PROVERB: A short, popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses some commonplace truth or useful thought.
EPIGRAM: A concise, clever, and often paradoxical statement or saying.
8 Letters
APHORISM: A pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'
More About "short pithy saying crossword clue"
The clue "short pithy saying" is a classic in the world of crosswords, often leading solvers to a range of related terms. These sayings, rich in wisdom and often concise, have been part of human communication for centuries. They serve to transmit cultural values, practical advice, or simply astute observations about life in a memorable format.
From the ancient Greek aphorisms to medieval proverbs and modern maxims, these phrases condense complex ideas into easily digestible nuggets of truth. In a crossword context, understanding the nuances between words like "adage," "maxim," "proverb," "epigram," and "aphorism" is key. While all broadly fit the description of a "short pithy saying," their specific connotations or origins can sometimes be subtly hinted at by the puzzle setter, alongside the crucial letter count.
Recognizing these patterns and having a vocabulary of such terms at your fingertips will significantly boost your crossword-solving prowess. Many of these words are derived from Latin or Greek roots, reflecting their historical significance in rhetoric and philosophy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters for the empty slots in your grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "short pithy saying" clues. For example, if you have 5 letters, you know it's not APHORISM (8 letters).
- Consider Cross-References: Look at the intersecting words. If a 'T' is already placed as the second letter, for instance, you might lean towards MAXIM rather than ADAGE.
- Think About Nuance: While "pithy saying" is broad, sometimes context clues will point to a specific type. For example, "ancient saying" might favor ADAGE, while "clever observation" could lean towards EPIGRAM or APHORISM.
- Use a Thesaurus (if stuck): If you've tried the common answers, a quick online thesaurus search for "saying" or "proverb" can reveal less common but valid alternatives that fit the letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'short pithy saying' in crosswords?
Common synonyms often include ADAGE, MAXIM, APHORISM, PROVERB, or EPIGRAM. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and other intersecting clues.
How can I distinguish between 'adage' and 'proverb' in a crossword?
'Adage' and 'proverb' are very similar. 'Adage' often implies something that has gained credit through long usage, while a 'proverb' is typically a short, popular saying embodying a general truth. In crosswords, the letter count is usually the key differentiator, but sometimes the puzzle constructor might hint at the origin (e.g., 'ancient saying' for adage).
Why are 'pithy' sayings common crossword clues?
Words like 'pithy' are popular because they allow for a variety of answers that fit a similar definition but have different lengths (e.g., ADAGE, MAXIM, APHORISM, EPIGRAM). This flexibility makes them versatile for constructors, allowing them to fill various grid patterns.