tongue crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the "tongue crossword clue". We provide answers for all possible word lengths to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore the diverse meanings of 'tongue' and find the perfect fit for your grid.
Solutions for "tongue crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LICK: An action performed with the tongue, such as tasting or cleaning.
REED: A thin strip of material that vibrates to produce sound in certain musical instruments, also known as a 'tongue' in some contexts.
SPIT: A narrow point of land projecting into the sea, often called a 'tongue' of land.
5 Letters
UVULA: The fleshy appendage hanging at the back of the soft palate, near the tongue.
7 Letters
DIALECT: A particular form of a language; a regional or social 'tongue'.
8 Letters
LANGUAGE: A system of communication; often referred to as a native 'tongue'.
More About "tongue crossword clue"
The word "tongue" is a versatile clue in crosswords due to its multiple meanings across various domains. Beyond its primary biological function as the organ of taste and speech, 'tongue' can refer to a language or dialect, as in 'mother tongue' or 'foreign tongue'. This linguistic aspect often leads to answers like LANGUAGE or DIALECT, depending on the letter count and specific context.
In a geographical sense, 'tongue' can describe a narrow projection of land, like a 'tongue of land' or a 'spit', which are common features in coastal areas. Musically, a 'tongue' can refer to the reed in a wind instrument, providing another layer of interpretation. Furthermore, specific actions involving the tongue, such as a 'lick', can also be valid solutions. Understanding these varied interpretations is crucial for cracking the clue.
Crossword setters love to play on these different meanings, often using subtle phrasing to guide solvers towards the correct answer. Always consider the broader context of the puzzle, nearby solved letters, and the required length to pinpoint the precise meaning intended by the clue writer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: For clues like "tongue," consider the surrounding words. Is it "native tongue" or "a lick of the tongue"? The context is your strongest hint.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is often the most direct indicator. A 4-letter answer for "tongue" is unlikely to be LANGUAGE.
- Think of Homonyms & Synonyms: Sometimes the clue uses a less common meaning or a synonym. For "tongue," think beyond the mouth organ to language, landforms, or musical components.
- Use Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the confirmed letters to narrow down the possibilities for the "tongue" clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common meanings of "tongue" in crosswords?
"Tongue" commonly refers to a language (e.g., mother tongue), the organ in the mouth, or a projection like a 'tongue of land' or a 'shoe tongue'. Less common but still relevant are musical instrument parts (reed) or specific actions (lick).
How can I tell which meaning of "tongue" the crossword clue refers to?
Context is key. Look at the number of letters required and any surrounding words in the clue. For example, "native tongue" points to LANGUAGE, "lick with a tongue" to LICK, and "geographical tongue" to SPIT or ISTHMUS.
Are there any synonyms for "tongue" that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, depending on the context. For language, synonyms like VERNACULAR or IDIOM might appear. For the organ, it's less common to have direct synonyms. For a land feature, words like SPIT, PROMONTORY, or ISTHMUS could be relevant.