sly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "sly crossword clue", organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of each answer.
Solutions for "sly crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WILY: Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully. Often used in crosswords to mean cunning or artful.
6 Letters
CRAFTY: Cunning, artful, or guileful. This word implies a cleverness used for trickery or deception.
6 Letters
ARTFUL: Clever or skillful, especially in a cunning way. It can suggest a subtle, often deceptive, cleverness.
SHREWD: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute. While not always negative, it can imply a calculated and sometimes sly approach to situations.
7 Letters
CUNNING: Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion. A direct and very common synonym for 'sly'.
DEVIOUS: Showing a skillful use of underhand tactics to achieve goals. It often implies a departure from a straightforward path, usually in a tricky or secretive way.
More About "sly crossword clue"
"Sly" is a classic adjective that frequently appears in crossword puzzles, often looking for synonyms that capture its essence of cunning, artfulness, and sometimes subtle deceit. The challenge for solvers lies in recognizing the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends, as "sly" can range from playfully mischievous to seriously deceptive. Its common association with animals like foxes also makes it a versatile clue.
When you encounter "sly" in a crossword, consider the context and the number of letters. Shorter answers might lean towards words like WILY, while longer ones could involve CUNNING, ARTFUL, or DEVIOUS. The key is to think about the various shades of meaning – is it about a clever trick, a secretive glance, or a more profound cunning? Cross-referencing with other clues in the puzzle is crucial to pinpoint the exact match.
Mastering clues like "sly" not only improves your crossword skills but also enriches your vocabulary, helping you differentiate between closely related terms that carry distinct connotations. These types of clues are excellent exercises in semantic precision.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For "sly" and similar clues, think about the specific shade of meaning. Is it about cleverness, sneakiness, or deception? This helps narrow down synonyms.
- Letter Count is King: Always start by checking the letter count. This immediately filters out many possibilities and directs you towards the correct length answer for "sly."
- Look for Crossings: If you're stuck on "sly," try solving intersecting words first. The letters you fill in will provide crucial hints for the "sly" answer.
- Think of Idioms/Phrases: Sometimes, clues like "sly" might be part of a common phrase or idiom. If an answer doesn't immediately come to mind, consider how "sly" is used in common expressions.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'sly' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'sly' include WILY, CUNNING, ARTFUL, SHREWD, and CRAFTY, depending on the letter count and specific nuance required by the puzzle.
How can I distinguish between 'sly' and similar clues like 'clever' or 'cunning'?
While 'sly,' 'clever,' and 'cunning' are related, 'sly' often carries a connotation of subtle, often underhanded, or secretive cleverness. 'Cunning' is more overtly about skill in deception, and 'clever' is a broader term for intelligence. Pay attention to other crossing letters for hints.
Are there any idioms or phrases related to 'sly' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, phrases like 'sly fox' or 'sly grin' can sometimes appear as part of longer clues or answers. Recognizing these can help unlock tougher puzzles related to the concept of 'slyness'.