spin crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "spin crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "spin crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TURN: To rotate or cause to rotate, often on an axis. It can also mean to change direction, as in "turn a corner."
TALE: A story, often fictional or exaggerated, as in the common phrase "spin a tale."
5 Letters
WHIRL: To move or cause to move rapidly round and round, often in a circular motion.
6 Letters
ROTATE: To move in a circle around a central point; to turn on an axis, commonly used for mechanical or planetary motion.
GYRATE: To move or cause to move rapidly in a circle or spiral, often with a rapid, rhythmic motion.
7 Letters
NARRATE: To tell a story or account, particularly used in the idiom "spin a yarn," meaning to tell a long, often embellished story.
More About "spin crossword clue"
"Spin" is a versatile word in English, and crossword constructors love to exploit its multiple meanings. While most commonly referring to rotational motion, as in a top or a wheel, it also carries a figurative sense. This figurative meaning often relates to storytelling, as in "spin a yarn" or "spin a tale," implying the creation or telling of a narrative, sometimes with embellishment or exaggeration.
Another nuanced usage can be found in the context of public relations or media, where "spin" refers to presenting information in a particular light to influence opinion. This can sometimes lead to answers related to manipulation or portrayal. Understanding the context of the full clue, including any surrounding words or indicators of tone, is crucial for discerning which interpretation of "spin" is intended.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Full Context: Don't just focus on "spin." Look for other words in the clue like "story," "wheel," "ball," "yarn," or "axis" which will strongly hint at the intended meaning (physical rotation vs. storytelling).
- Consider Letter Count First: Once you have a few potential answers in mind, check which ones fit the given number of letters. This is often the quickest way to eliminate incorrect possibilities.
- Think of Homonyms and Synonyms: Crossword clues often play on words with multiple meanings (homonyms) or use synonyms. For "spin," consider not just direct synonyms for rotation (like 'turn', 'rotate') but also words related to the act of storytelling (like 'narrate', 'yarn').
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different meanings of "spin" in crosswords?
In crosswords, "spin" can refer to physical rotation (e.g., turn, whirl, rotate) or metaphorical meanings like telling a story ("spin a yarn/tale") or fabricating information ("spin a narrative"). Its versatility makes it a common and sometimes tricky clue.
How do I identify if "spin" refers to a physical action or storytelling in a crossword?
To discern the intended meaning, pay close attention to the other words in the clue. Phrases such as "propeller's action," "record player's motion," or "on an axis" typically suggest physical rotation. Conversely, clues containing words like "yarn," "story," or "narrative" often point towards the storytelling or figurative sense of "spin." The given letter count for the answer is also a crucial hint.
Are there any less common synonyms for "spin" I should know for crosswords?
Beyond the more common solutions like "turn" and "rotate," keep an eye out for less frequent synonyms. These might include "gyre" (a spiral motion or vortex), "pirouette" (a specific ballet spin), or "reel" (to spin dizzily or stagger). Sometimes, even archaic terms like "pirl" might appear. Always consider the context of the full clue to narrow down possibilities.