subterfuge crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "subterfuge crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "subterfuge crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RUSE: A deceptive action or trick.
5 Letters
FEINT: A deceptive or pretended blow or movement.
6 Letters
DECEIT: The act of deceiving or misleading.
8 Letters
TRICKERY: The use of tricks or deceptions.
ARTIFICE: Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.
9 Letters
STRATAGEM: A plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end.
More About "subterfuge crossword clue"
The term "subterfuge" refers to deceit used in order to achieve one's goal. It often implies a cunning, indirect, or evasive method employed to hide information, avoid blame, or gain an advantage. In crosswords, clues like "subterfuge" demand a nuanced understanding of synonyms for deception, trickery, or hidden tactics. Crossword setters love words with multiple synonyms, and "subterfuge" is a prime example, allowing for a wide range of answers depending on the required letter count.
When you encounter "subterfuge" as a clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a cryptic clue hinting at wordplay, or a straightforward definition? The surrounding letters in your grid will often be your best guide, narrowing down the possibilities from general terms like DECEIT to more specific actions like RUSE or FEINT. Understanding the subtle differences between these words can unlock the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: "Subterfuge" isn't just about trickery; it implies a hidden or indirect method. Look for answers that reflect this subtlety, like RUSE, FEINT, or STRATAGEM, rather than just general "lies." The specific connotation can guide you to the precise answer needed.
- Consider Synonyms & Antonyms: Many crossword setters use synonyms of the clue word, but also sometimes antonyms if the clue implies "opposite of subterfuge." Always think broadly about words related to deception, cunning, or indirect methods, but also their counterparts if the clue structure suggests it.
- Check Letter Count Carefully: With a clue like "subterfuge," which has many possible answers (e.g., PLOY, RUSE, DECEIT, TRICKERY, STRATAGEM), the letter count is your most crucial hint. Always confirm the exact length of your potential answer against the grid before writing it in.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common short answer for 'subterfuge' in crosswords?
The most common short answers often include RUSE (4 letters) or PLOY (4 letters), as they directly denote a deceptive maneuver or trick, fitting neatly into smaller grid spaces.
How does 'subterfuge' differ from 'deception' in a crossword context?
While often interchangeable, 'subterfuge' specifically implies a trick or scheme used to conceal something or evade a rule, focusing on the method. 'Deception' is a broader term for misleading. In crosswords, either could be an answer depending on the required length and specific nuance implied by other words in the clue.
Are there any specific types of crosswords where 'subterfuge' clues appear frequently?
Clues related to 'subterfuge' are common in cryptic crosswords, where the wordplay often involves hidden meanings, anagrams, or charades that reflect the indirect nature of the term itself. They also appear in standard crosswords as straightforward synonym clues, requiring a word of a specific length that means 'subterfuge'.