sop crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "sop crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "sop crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DIP: To immerse something briefly in a liquid, often referring to food. "Sop" can mean a piece of food dipped in a liquid, or the act of dipping itself.
4 Letters
SOAK: To immerse something in liquid for a prolonged period, implying absorption, which 'sop' can also mean when referring to drawing up liquid.
5 Letters
BRIBE: A conciliatory gift or payment given to influence someone. Figuratively, a 'sop' can be something given to appease or placate, like 'a sop to Cerberus'.
SOPUP: To absorb liquid using a piece of bread, a sponge, or similar material. This is a direct, active form of 'sopping'.
6 Letters
ABSORB: To take in or soak up a liquid, heat, or light. Closely related to the action of 'sopping' up moisture.
7 Letters
MOISTEN: To make something slightly wet or damp. When you 'sop' something, you often moisten it, especially if it's bread in gravy.
8 Letters
SATURATE: To thoroughly soak something with liquid until no more can be absorbed. This is an intense form of 'sopping' or soaking.
More About "sop crossword clue"
"Sop" is a versatile word that can trick even seasoned crossword solvers due to its multiple meanings. Primarily, it refers to a piece of food, like bread, that has been dipped in a liquid such as gravy, sauce, or wine. This culinary context is often seen in clues related to dipping or soaking.
Beyond the literal meaning of dipping food, 'sop' also has a strong connection to absorption. When you 'sop up' liquid, you are absorbing it with something like a cloth or sponge. This meaning broadens the range of possible answers to include words related to drawing in or soaking up moisture.
Furthermore, "sop" has a figurative meaning, denoting something given or done to appease, pacify, or conciliate someone, often in a somewhat insincere or minimal way. Think of "a sop to Cerberus" from mythology, where a piece of cake was given to calm the multi-headed dog. This adds another layer of complexity, leading to answers like 'bribe' or 'appeasement'. Always consider the context of the entire clue and any given letters.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "sop," determine which of its meanings (food, absorption, appeasement) the clue is leaning towards. Look for keywords that hint at one specific interpretation.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your biggest hint. If the clue implies a brief action, a shorter word like "DIP" or "WET" might fit. For absorption, "SOAK" or "ABSORB" are good candidates. For appeasement, "BRIBE" or "PLACATE" could be considered.
- Look at Crossing Letters: Always use the letters from already solved intersecting words. They will quickly narrow down the possibilities and confirm if your chosen "sop" answer is correct.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, "sop" is part of a phrasal verb like "sop up." Be open to multi-word answers if the grid allows or the clue suggests it.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sop' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'sop' typically has three main interpretations: a piece of food (like bread) dipped in liquid, the act of soaking something up, or a conciliatory gift or bribe. The specific meaning usually depends on the clue's wording and the required letter count.
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'sop' when solving?
To distinguish, look for synonyms related to absorption (e.g., 'blot,' 'soak'), dipping or wetting food (e.g., 'dip,' 'moisten'), or appeasement (e.g., 'bribe,' 'placate'). The number of letters in the answer and any intersecting letters from other clues are crucial hints.
Are there common synonyms for 'sop' that often appear in crosswords?
Yes, common crossword synonyms for 'sop' include DIP, SOAK, BLOT, WET, BRIBE, and sometimes broader terms like ABSORB or SATURATE, depending on the nuance. The setter's intent and the puzzle's theme often guide the exact word choice.