simmer crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "simmer," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and helpful tips to get you unstuck and sharpen your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "simmer crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
STEW: To cook slowly in liquid over low heat, often until tender.
BREW: To make (tea, coffee, or beer) by steeping, especially in hot water, often involving gentle heating similar to simmering.
5 Letters
POACH: To cook (an egg or other food) by simmering it in a small amount of liquid, usually below the boiling point.
6 Letters
SEETHE: To be in a state of agitation or barely suppressed anger, or to boil gently, just below the boiling point, producing small bubbles.
BUBBLE: (Of a liquid) to form bubbles of gas and rise to the surface, often associated with gentle heating just below a full boil.
More About "simmer crossword clue"
"Simmer" is a versatile word that crosswords love to exploit, often playing on its dual meanings. Primarily, it describes a cooking method where liquid is heated gently just below boiling, characterized by small, barely breaking bubbles. This makes it distinct from a full boil and opens up a range of related culinary terms like 'stew', 'poach', or 'brew' as potential answers.
Beyond the kitchen, "simmer" can also be used metaphorically to describe a state of suppressed emotion, typically anger or excitement. When a person is "simmering," they are on the verge of expressing strong feelings, but keeping them contained. This figurative meaning leads to answers like 'seethe', adding an interesting layer of complexity to clues that might otherwise seem straightforward.
Understanding both the literal and figurative interpretations is key to solving "simmer" clues. The context of the surrounding words in the clue will often guide you towards the correct meaning and, subsequently, the correct answer, whether it's a gentle cooking technique or a bubbling emotional state.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Always remember that words like "simmer" can have both literal (cooking) and figurative (emotional) meanings. Check the clue for any hints towards either.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: The number of letters in the answer is your most reliable guide. Once you have a possible answer, double-check its length against the required number.
- Think of Culinary Terms: If the clue hints at cooking, run through various gentle cooking methods in your mind – braise, stew, poach, infuse.
- Look for Emotional Cues: If the clue mentions feelings, tension, or internal states, consider words related to subdued or rising emotions.
- Use Cross-References: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. Use the letters you've filled in from intersecting clues to narrow down the possibilities for "simmer."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'simmer' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'simmer' most commonly refers to a cooking process where liquid is heated just below the boiling point, producing small bubbles. However, it can also metaphorically imply a state of barely suppressed anger or excitement.
Are there common alternative words or synonyms for 'simmer' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include 'stew', 'brew', 'poach', 'seethe', and 'bubble'. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and any cross-referenced letters.
How can I distinguish between literal and figurative meanings of 'simmer' in a clue?
Pay attention to accompanying words in the clue. Words like 'pot', 'sauce', 'cook', or 'dish' will usually point to the literal cooking meaning. Clues involving emotions, tension, or feelings might hint at the figurative 'seethe' meaning.