staff of life crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "staff of life crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers across various letter counts, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "staff of life crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOOD: A general term for any nourishing substance, which broadly fits the concept of what sustains life.
5 Letters
BREAD: The most classic and frequently used answer. Bread has historically been a fundamental and indispensable food source in many cultures.
WHEAT: The grain from which flour (and thus bread) is often made, serving as a foundational component of the 'staff of life'.
GRAIN: A broader category encompassing wheat, rice, corn, etc., which are staple foods for large populations and fundamental 'staff of life' sources.
More About "staff of life crossword clue"
The phrase "staff of life" is a biblical idiom that refers to the most basic or essential food that sustains human life, typically bread. It signifies something absolutely vital for existence, much like a staff supports a person. In many cultures throughout history, bread, made from various grains, has been the primary source of sustenance, forming the bedrock of diets and economies.
When this phrase appears in a crossword puzzle, it almost invariably points to "BREAD" or a related term like "WHEAT" or "FLOUR," due to its profound historical and cultural significance. Crossword setters love to use such well-known idioms to test a solver's general knowledge and vocabulary.
Understanding the idiomatic meaning behind such clues is key to solving them quickly. This clue is a perfect example of how cultural phrases are integrated into puzzles, making them both challenging and educational.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Idiom's Core Meaning: For clues like "staff of life," think about the literal and figurative meaning. What is the fundamental, essential item being referenced?
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters required. If you're stuck between BREAD (5 letters) and FOOD (4 letters), the length will tell you which one is correct.
- Look for Related Concepts: If the primary answer doesn't fit, think of related terms. For "staff of life," if BREAD doesn't work, consider its ingredients (WHEAT, FLOUR) or broader categories (GRAIN, FOOD).
- Cross-Reference with Other Clues: Use intersecting letters from already solved clues to narrow down possibilities. This is crucial for confirming a challenging answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'staff of life' mean in a crossword clue?
The phrase 'staff of life' historically refers to a basic food item, typically a staple like bread or grains, that is essential for survival and sustains life. In crosswords, it almost always points to bread or a related foodstuff.
Why is bread often called the 'staff of life'?
Bread has been a fundamental part of human diet for millennia, providing vital calories and nutrients. Its widespread availability and importance in many cultures led to it being considered the most crucial food, hence 'staff of life'.
Are there other foods considered 'staff of life'?
While bread is the most common association, the concept of 'staff of life' can extend to other staple foods depending on the culture and region. For example, rice is the 'staff of life' in many Asian cultures, and corn or potatoes in others. In crosswords, however, the answer is usually linked to bread or its ingredients.