telling crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "telling crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate, and comprehensive answers along with explanations to help you complete your puzzle and understand the logic behind the solutions. Dive in to find your perfect match!
Solutions for "telling crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
KEY: Something crucial or highly significant, often used when something reveals a deeper truth.
6 Letters
POTENT: Having great power, influence, or effect, fitting for a clue that suggests a strong revelation or impact.
7 Letters
EVIDENT: Clearly revealed or displayed; obvious, making it a strong match for 'telling' in the sense of providing clear information.
8 Letters
CRITICAL: Denoting something of crucial importance or something that indicates a significant turning point, making it highly 'telling'.
9 Letters
REVEALING: Directly meaning making known or visible something previously unknown or secret, perfectly capturing the essence of 'telling' as a clue.
More About "telling crossword clue"
The word "telling" can be quite a versatile clue in crosswords, often requiring solvers to consider its various connotations beyond just the act of speaking. In the context of a puzzle, "telling" most frequently refers to something that is significant, indicative, or revealing. It points to information that uncovers a hidden truth, highlights an important detail, or provides a strong, impactful insight.
For instance, a "telling glance" is one that conveys a great deal without words, hinting at an emotion or intention. Similarly, a "telling statistic" is one that provides crucial evidence or insight into a situation. When you encounter "telling" as a clue, think about what it reveals or signifies, rather than what it says aloud. This shift in perspective is often key to unlocking the correct answer, leading to words like EVIDENT, REVEALING, or CRITICAL.
Understanding these nuances is essential for deciphering the setter's intent. Crossword setters love to play on words with multiple meanings, and "telling" is a prime example. Always consider the context provided by the number of letters, any surrounding words in the clue, and the letters you've already filled in from intersecting answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "telling," have several definitions. Always ponder the less common or more abstract meanings, as setters frequently use them.
- Analyze Letter Count: The number of letters is your most concrete hint. If you have partial answers, try to fit synonyms of varying lengths.
- Look for Indicator Words: Words like "perhaps," "could be," "a," or "initially" can signal anagrams, abbreviations, or other wordplay techniques.
- Think Broadly for Synonyms: For a clue like "telling," don't just think of direct synonyms. Consider words that imply the *effect* of something telling, such as its significance or revelatory nature.
- Utilize Cross-Referencing: Don't get stuck on one clue. Fill in answers you're confident about, as their letters will often provide crucial breakthroughs for harder clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'telling' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'telling' often refers to something that is revealing, significant, or indicative. It might suggest an answer that uncovers a hidden truth, points to an important detail, or has a strong impact. It’s crucial to consider the nuance: is it 'telling' as in speaking, or 'telling' as in conveying information?
How can I distinguish between similar crossword clues?
Distinguishing similar clues often comes down to context, the number of letters in the answer, and common crossword conventions. Look for indicator words, parts of speech, and whether the clue is a straight definition, a pun, an anagram, or a charade. Sometimes, checking cross-referencing letters from other answers is the key.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers?
Crossword clues can have multiple answers due to synonyms, different interpretations of a word, or variations across different puzzle setters. For instance, a word might have several legitimate synonyms that fit the letter count, or a cryptic clue might have multiple valid parses. Context from intersecting words usually helps narrow it down.