take away crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "take away crossword," designed to help you conquer your puzzle quickly and effectively. Dive into our expert insights for answers across all word lengths.
Solutions for "take away crossword" by Letter Count
8 Letters
SUBTRACT: To take one quantity or number from another; a direct synonym for 'take away' in a mathematical context.
6 Letters
REMOVE: To take something away from the position it occupies; a general and very common interpretation of 'take away'.
DEDUCT: To subtract (an amount or part) from a total; similar to subtract, often used for financial or numeric contexts.
5 Letters
MINUS: Signifying the operation of subtraction; also colloquially used to mean 'without' or 'less'.
SEIZE: To take hold of suddenly and forcibly; to confiscate or appropriate something.
3 Letters
EAT: To consume food, implying taking it away (into oneself). Often a more lateral or cryptic interpretation of 'take away'.
More About "take away crossword"
"Take away" is a wonderfully versatile phrase in crossword puzzles, often challenging solvers to think beyond its most obvious mathematical connotation. While answers like SUBTRACT or DEDUCT are common, especially in straightforward puzzles, setters frequently employ this clue to hint at broader concepts of removal, deprivation, or even consumption. Understanding the various nuances can unlock trickier clues.
For instance, 'take away' might refer to physically moving an object (REMOVE), seizing something by force (SEIZE), or even metaphorically lessening a quality or amount (LESSEN, though not an answer provided here). In cryptic crosswords, it could be a subtle instruction for letter removal within an anagram or a pun on a 'takeaway' meal. Always consider the context of the puzzle – whether it's a quick daily cryptic, a themed Sunday puzzle, or a standard definition-style crossword.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: The length of the answer is always your first critical piece of information. If "take away" is a 6-letter answer, you know to look for words like REMOVE or DEDUCT, narrowing down possibilities significantly.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Like "take away," many common phrases have multiple meanings. Always brainstorm synonyms for each interpretation. Is it about subtraction, physical removal, consumption, or even a metaphorical lessening?
- Look for Cryptic Hints (if applicable): If you're solving a cryptic crossword, "take away" might be an instruction (e.g., 'take A from B'), a pun on 'takeaway' food, or part of a charade. Be alert to indicators that suggest wordplay beyond a simple definition.
- Check Surrounding Letters: As you fill in other answers, the letters intersecting with "take away" will provide invaluable clues. These fixed letters can quickly confirm a suspicion or rule out incorrect possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my crossword-solving speed?
To improve your crossword-solving speed, practice regularly, learn common crosswordese, use a dictionary and thesaurus for tricky words, and focus on recognizing clue types like anagrams or double meanings. Over time, your pattern recognition will improve significantly.
What does 'take away' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'take away' most commonly refers to subtraction or removal, leading to answers like SUBTRACT, DEDUCT, or REMOVE. However, it can also imply consuming (EAT), diminishing (LESSEN), or forcibly seizing (SEIZE), depending on the specific wordplay or cryptic element in the clue.
Are there different types of 'take away' clues?
Yes, 'take away' can appear in various forms. It could be a straightforward definition (e.g., 'To subtract'), a cryptic instruction (e.g., 'Remove central letters from...', or 'Eat something'), or a pun. Always consider the context of the puzzle, the setter's style, and the number of letters required for the answer.