spilled the beans crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on "spilled the beans crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate, and detailed solutions to help you complete your puzzle. Explore all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "spilled the beans crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TOLD: To communicate information, often confidentially, but which has now been revealed.
7 Letters
BLABBED: Disclosed secrets or gossip thoughtlessly or indiscreetly.
8 Letters
REVEALED: Made previously unknown or secret information known to others.
9 Letters
DISCLOSED: Made something secret known; revealed.
CONFESSED: Admitted or acknowledged something, especially a sin or crime, or something one is ashamed or embarrassed about.
More About "spilled the beans crossword clue"
The idiom "spilled the beans" is a colorful phrase meaning to reveal a secret or inadvertently disclose confidential information. Its origin is debated but commonly attributed to ancient Greek voting practices where beans were used for votes, and spilling them would reveal the results prematurely. In crosswords, clues based on idioms require solvers to understand the figurative meaning and find a direct synonym.
When you encounter such a clue, it's crucial to think beyond the literal meaning of 'spilling' or 'beans.' Instead, focus on the core action implied: disclosure, revelation, or telling. Crossword setters love to use idioms because they can be tricky, often leading solvers down the wrong path if they don't grasp the underlying concept.
Answers for this type of clue typically fall into categories of verbs related to speaking, telling, or making something public. The length of the answer will significantly narrow down the possibilities, making a comprehensive list like the one above invaluable for finding the precise word needed to complete your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Understand Idioms: When faced with an idiomatic clue like "spilled the beans," always focus on its figurative meaning rather than the literal words. Brainstorm synonyms for the implied action (e.g., reveal, tell, disclose).
- Check Letter Count First: The number of letters is your most powerful tool. Once you have a few potential words that fit the meaning, eliminate those that don't match the required length.
- Look for Context: Sometimes, other filled-in letters in the grid will provide hints. If you have a few letters already, they can guide you to the correct answer among similar synonyms.
- Consider Tense: Pay attention to the tense of the clue. "Spilled" is past tense, so your answer should likely also be in the past tense (e.g., TOLD, REVEALED, BLABBED).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'spilled the beans' mean in a crossword context?
In a crossword, 'spilled the beans' is an idiom meaning to reveal a secret or inadvertently disclose confidential information. Clues based on idioms often require a single word answer that captures the essence of the phrase, such as 'TOLD,' 'REVEALED,' or 'DISCLOSED.'
How can I find answers to idiomatic crossword clues like 'spilled the beans'?
For idiomatic clues, try to think of synonyms or actions that convey the same meaning as the idiom. Consider different parts of speech (verb, noun) and various synonyms. Also, pay attention to the letter count required, as this can narrow down possibilities significantly.
Are there common alternative phrases for 'spilled the beans' in crosswords?
Yes, other phrases that might lead to similar answers include 'let the cat out of the bag,' 'divulged a secret,' 'made known,' or 'confessed.' These all point towards answers related to revelation or disclosure.