strait laced crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "strait laced crossword clue", complete with explanations to help you understand why each answer fits. We've got you covered for all possible word lengths.
Solutions for "strait laced crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PRIM: Describes someone excessively proper or formally precise, a direct synonym for 'strait laced'.
5 Letters
RIGID: Implies strictness and inflexibility, aligning well with the meaning of 'strait laced'.
6 Letters
FORMAL: Can be used to describe behaviour that is conventional and stiff, similar to being 'strait laced'.
7 Letters
UPTIGHT: Commonly refers to someone who is anxious, rigid, or formal, fitting 'strait laced' perfectly.
More About "strait laced crossword clue"
The term "strait-laced" is a vivid descriptive phrase often encountered in language and, consequently, in crossword puzzles. It paints a picture of someone who is excessively proper, conventional, and perhaps even prudish. The historical origin of "strait-laced" refers to tightly tied corsets (laces that were "strait" or narrow/tight), metaphorically extending to a person whose behaviour or attitudes are similarly constrained and rigid.
In the context of crosswords, clues like "strait laced" test your vocabulary related to character traits, manners, and social conduct. Setters frequently use such terms because they have a range of excellent synonyms that vary in length, offering flexibility for puzzle construction. Understanding the nuances of these synonyms is key to unlocking the puzzle, as 'prim' suggests excessive propriety, while 'rigid' emphasizes inflexibility, and 'uptight' points to a nervous stiffness.
When you encounter this clue, consider the surrounding letters already filled in your grid. This will often narrow down the possible answers based on their length. Thinking about common synonyms and their slight variations in meaning will also help you quickly arrive at the correct solution, whether it's PRIM, RIGID, FORMAL, or UPTIGHT.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of boxes available in the grid. This is your most direct hint for the answer's length, crucial for clues like "strait laced" which have multiple synonyms.
- Consider Nuances of Synonyms: For descriptive clues like this, think about the subtle differences between synonyms. Does the clue imply a moral rigidity (prim) or just a general stiffness (formal)?
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Letters from crossing words are invaluable. Even one or two filled-in letters can drastically reduce the number of possible answers for "strait laced," guiding you to the precise word.
- Think of Common Crossword Tropes: Some words and concepts are recurring. "Strait laced" is one such classic, so familiarity with its common answers (like the ones listed above) will give you a head start.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'strait laced' mean in a crossword context?
'Strait laced' refers to someone who is overly formal, strict, conventional, or prudish in their behaviour or attitudes. In crosswords, it often cues answers like UPTIGHT, PRIM, RIGID, or FORMAL, depending on the letter count and other intersecting clues.
How can I deduce the correct length for 'strait laced' answers?
To deduce the correct answer length, always check the number of available boxes in your crossword grid. If you have intersecting letters already filled in, use those as hints. Common synonyms for 'strait laced' vary in length, so knowing typical crossword answer lengths can be very helpful.
Is 'strait laced' a common crossword clue?
Yes, 'strait laced' is a fairly common clue in crosswords, often appearing in various forms (e.g., 'Strait-laced individual', 'Too strait-laced'). It's a classic descriptive term that crossword setters frequently use to test vocabulary related to character traits and manners.