tricky question crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! We're here to help you conquer the perplexing "tricky question crossword clue." Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you understand the logic behind each answer. Get ready to finish your puzzle with confidence!
Solutions for "tricky question crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
RIDDLE: A puzzling question or statement that requires thought to be answered or understood.
ENIGMA: A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
7 Letters
STUMPER: A question or problem that is extremely difficult to answer or solve, often causing someone to be stumped.
PUZZLER: Something, typically a game or question, that puzzles or perplexes one.
8 Letters
QUANDARY: A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation, often presenting a tricky choice.
9 Letters
CONUNDRUM: A confusing and difficult problem or question, a kind of riddle designed to be hard to solve.
11 Letters
BRAINTEASER: A problem or puzzle, typically one designed to test ingenuity or knowledge in a challenging way.
More About "tricky question crossword clue"
The term "tricky question" in crosswords is a broad category that encompasses clues requiring more than a straightforward dictionary definition. These clues often play on ambiguity, puns, or hidden meanings, designed to challenge your lateral thinking. Recognising such clues is the first step to solving them.
Common examples of "tricky questions" include cryptic clues, which are prevalent in British-style crosswords, but also more subtle forms of wordplay in standard crosswords. They might involve anagrams, homophones, or require you to think about the clue as a phrase rather than individual words. Our aim is to demystify these types of clues so you can approach your next puzzle with a sharper mind and a clearer strategy.
Understanding the nuances of these clues not only helps you solve the current puzzle but also builds a foundation for tackling future challenges. By learning to spot the indicators of a 'tricky question,' you'll develop the crucial solver's intuition needed for advanced crosswording.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Wordplay Indicators: Be alert for words in the clue that suggest wordplay. Phrases like "perhaps," "might be," "sounds like" (homophones), "mixed up" (anagrams), or "in a way" often signal a tricky clue.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many tricky clues hinge on a word having more than one meaning. Think beyond the most obvious definition and consider less common or archaic uses of words.
- Break Down the Clue: If a clue seems too long or complex, try to break it into smaller parts. Sometimes, only a portion of the clue is 'tricky,' while another part provides a direct hint to the answer.
- Check for Hidden Words: Some tricky clues hide the answer within the clue itself. Look for sequences of letters that form a coherent word, often indicated by phrases like "some of," "part of," or "included in."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'tricky question' in the context of a crossword?
In crosswords, a 'tricky question' often refers to a clue that uses wordplay, puns, double meanings, or requires lateral thinking rather than direct definitions. It's designed to mislead or challenge the solver in a clever way.
How can I improve my ability to solve tricky crossword clues?
To get better at 'tricky' clues, practice is key. Focus on understanding common crossword conventions like anagrams, homophones, abbreviations, and hidden words. Always consider multiple meanings of words in the clue and look for indicators of wordplay. Reading widely and expanding your vocabulary also helps immensely.
Are there common patterns for answers to 'tricky question' clues?
Yes, common patterns often include words like RIDDLE, CONUNDRUM, ENIGMA, PUZZLER, STUMPER, or BRAINTEASER. Clues that hint at something confusing, perplexing, or a mental challenge often point to these types of answers. Sometimes, the answer itself can be a type of problem or a difficult situation.