skew crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. Below, you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "skew crossword clue," categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the context.
Solutions for "skew crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TILT: To cause to lean or incline away from a vertical or horizontal position.
BIAS: A prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. Also, to cause to lean in a particular direction.
LEAN: To incline or bend from a vertical position.
WARP: To bend or twist out of shape, typically as a result of the effects of heat or dampness.
CANT: To cause to assume an oblique or slanting position.
5 Letters
SLANT: To lean or incline away from a vertical or horizontal line; a particular point of view or way of looking at something.
ANGLE: To place or direct at an angle; to take or have a particular angle.
7 Letters
DISTORT: To pull or twist out of shape; to give a misleading or false account or impression of.
More About "skew crossword clue"
The word "skew" is a versatile term that frequently appears in crosswords, often requiring solvers to think about its various nuances. Primarily, it means to deviate from a straight line or direction, or to distort something from its true form. This can apply literally, like a physical object that is tilted or slanted, or figuratively, as in a biased opinion or a misrepresentation of facts.
Understanding "skew" in a crossword context means being open to synonyms related to angles, leans, biases, and distortions. For instance, if the clue hints at a physical deviation, answers like TILT, SLANT, or ANGLE are strong contenders. If the clue suggests a prejudiced viewpoint or a twisting of truth, then BIAS or DISTORT might be the correct solution. Always consider the number of letters required and any surrounding crossing letters to narrow down the possibilities.
The beauty of "skew" as a clue lies in its ability to lead to both common, straightforward synonyms and more abstract, contextual answers, making it a good test of a solver's vocabulary and lateral thinking skills. Keep these different meanings in mind when tackling similar clues in the future.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is "skew" used as a verb (to skew something) or an adjective (a skew angle)? This can help determine if the answer should be an action (e.g., TILT) or a descriptive word.
- Consider Figurative Meanings: Beyond physical leaning, "skew" can imply bias or distortion. If the clue has a more abstract feel, lean towards answers like BIAS or DISTORT rather than purely physical ones.
- Look for Homophones or Puns: While less common for "skew," always be alert for wordplay. Sometimes, a seemingly straightforward clue might hide a pun or a sound-alike word.
- Use Cross-References: Don't guess in isolation. The most reliable way to confirm a "skew" answer is by checking how its letters intersect with other words in the puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'skew' mean in a crossword context?
'Skew' in a crossword clue often refers to something that is slanted, twisted, angled, or biased. It can imply a deviation from the straight or normal, leading to answers like TILT, SLANT, BIAS, or DISTORT.
How can I identify synonyms for 'skew' in crosswords?
Look for words related to leaning, bending, twisting, or altering. Consider prefixes like 'mal-' or 'dis-' that suggest an incorrect or distorted state. Think about different contexts where something might not be straight or true, such as physical orientation (tilt, angle) or abstract concepts (bias, prejudice).
Are there common tricks with 'skew' clues?
Sometimes 'skew' might hint at an anagram or a wordplay clue where letters are literally 'skewed' or rearranged. It could also refer to a 'skew bridge' or a specific type of statistical 'skew'. Always consider the word's different meanings and parts of speech, and if the clue hints at a specific field like engineering or statistics.