swallow crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "swallow," designed to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. We cover answers of all common letter lengths, ensuring you find exactly what you need.
Solutions for "swallow crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EAT: A common synonym for 'swallow' meaning to consume food.
4 Letters
GULP: To swallow quickly or with difficulty, often a large quantity.
BIRD: Referring to the animal, a type of small migratory bird often seen in spring and summer.
5 Letters
DRINK: To take liquid into the mouth and swallow.
6 Letters
ACCEPT: To believe or take something as true without question, often used metaphorically for 'swallow' as in 'swallowing a lie'.
More About "swallow crossword clue"
The clue "swallow" is a fantastic example of how crossword setters use the versatility of the English language to create engaging puzzles. The word 'swallow' can refer to the act of ingesting something (food, liquid), or metaphorically, to accepting something (like a story or an excuse). Crucially, it also names a specific type of bird, known for its distinctive forked tail and acrobatic flight.
This multi-meaning nature means that solving 'swallow' often requires careful consideration of the rest of the clue, or even the surrounding letters in the grid. For instance, a clue might specify 'rapid intake' for GULP, or 'airy feeder' for BIRD. Understanding these different facets of 'swallow' is key to unlocking the correct answer, whether it's a verb, an action, or a creature.
Crossword puzzles thrive on such linguistic ambiguities, challenging solvers to think laterally and consider all possible interpretations. Our comprehensive list provides all the common answers, helping you navigate these clever linguistic traps with ease.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun (the bird) or a verb (the act of swallowing)? This can narrow down your options significantly.
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Think about all possible meanings of 'swallow' and what synonyms fit each. If other words in the clue hint at food or drink, focus on verbs like EAT or DRINK. If it mentions nature or flight, think BIRD.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters in your potential answer against the grid. This is often the most critical filter for ambiguous clues like "swallow."
- Look for Cross-References: Sometimes, another clue in the puzzle will indirectly help. For example, if there's a clue about 'nest builders', it might hint at the bird meaning of 'swallow'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'swallow' have so many different answers in crosswords?
The word 'swallow' is a versatile term in English, functioning as both a verb (to ingest food or liquid, to accept something, to suppress a feeling) and a noun (a type of bird). This semantic richness allows setters to use it in many different contexts, leading to a wide array of possible solutions depending on the specific nuance intended by the clue.
How can I determine if 'swallow' refers to the verb or the bird?
Context is key! Look for surrounding words in the clue. If it mentions 'food,' 'drink,' 'gulp,' or implies ingestion or acceptance, it's likely the verb. If it mentions 'flight,' 'nest,' 'migratory,' or other bird-related terms, it's probably referring to the bird. The number of letters can also be a strong hint, as bird names like 'MARTIN' or the general 'BIRD' differ in length from verbs like 'EAT' or 'GULP'.
What are common synonyms for 'swallow' (verb) in crosswords?
Common synonyms for the verb 'swallow' in crosswords often include GULP, EAT, DRINK, CONSUME, INGEST, or even ABSORB and ACCEPT (when used metaphorically for belief). The exact synonym depends on the specific context and length required by the puzzle.