tips up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "tips up". We provide answers across various letter counts, along with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "tips up crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TOAST: To raise a glass in honor of someone or something, often associated with a 'tips up' gesture.
6 Letters
UPENDS: To turn something upside down or on its end, a literal interpretation of 'tips up'.
CHEERS: A common exclamation used when drinking, often accompanied by lifting glasses, hence 'tips up'.
More About "tips up crossword clue"
"Tips up" is a versatile crossword clue that often plays on its dual meanings, making it a favorite for setters and a tricky challenge for solvers. One common interpretation relates to the physical act of turning something over or putting it on its end, as in UPENDS. This literal meaning is quite straightforward when you think of tipping a container or an object.
However, the clue also frequently refers to the social act of raising a glass for a drink. In this context, "tips up" can lead to answers like TOAST or CHEERS. Recognizing which meaning the setter intends usually depends on the number of letters required and the surrounding intersecting words in the puzzle. It's a great example of how crosswords use common phrases to hide different possible solutions.
Understanding these multiple interpretations is key to mastering clues like "tips up." Always consider both the literal and idiomatic uses of a phrase when you encounter it in a puzzle, as setters love to exploit these ambiguities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many common phrases and short words have several meanings. Always think beyond the most obvious interpretation, especially for concise clues like "tips up."
- Check Letter Count First: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If a clue has multiple potential answers, the letter count will often narrow it down immediately.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: If you're stuck, try to solve intersecting clues first. Even one or two letters can be enough to reveal the answer to a tricky horizontal or vertical clue.
- Think about Homophones & Anagrams: Some "tips up" clues might use wordplay. Could "tips" sound like another word? Is there an anagram hidden within the clue if it's a cryptic style?
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings for 'tips up' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'tips up' can refer to physically turning something upside down or on its end (e.g., UPENDS), or it can refer to the act of raising a glass for a toast or celebration (e.g., TOAST, CHEERS).
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers?
Many crossword clues, especially shorter ones or those using common phrases, can have multiple valid answers depending on the specific puzzle's theme, other intersecting words, or the setter's intended meaning. Checking the number of letters or surrounding letters often helps narrow it down to the correct solution.
How can I improve my ability to solve tricky crossword clues?
Improving involves understanding common crossword conventions like anagrams, homophones, double meanings, and abbreviations. Practicing regularly, learning common crosswordese (words frequently used in puzzles), and paying close attention to word lengths are all key strategies for success.