turn crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for answers to the clue "turn crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "turn crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SPIN: To revolve rapidly, a common meaning of 'turn'.
VEER: To change direction suddenly, often used in the context of turning a vehicle.
BEND: To curve or cause to curve, as in turning a corner.
5 Letters
PIVOT: To turn on or as if on a pivot; a central point around which something turns.
SHIFT: To move or cause to move from one place or position to another, implying a change of direction or orientation.
TWIST: To form into a bent, curling, or distorted shape; a sudden turn or change.
6 Letters
ROTATE: To move in a circle around a central axis; a fundamental meaning of 'turn'.
CORNER: To go around a corner, which is a type of turn.
7 Letters
CONVERT: To change the form, character, or function of something, can imply turning something into another state.
REVOLVE: To move in a circle on a central axis, similar to rotate.
More About "turn crossword clue"
The word "turn" is incredibly versatile in the English language, making it a challenging yet common crossword clue. It can imply a physical rotation or change in direction, as seen in answers like ROTATE, SPIN, or VEER. However, "turn" can also refer to a change in state or condition, such as to CONVERT, or even an opportunity, as in "my turn."
Its polysemous nature means that solvers must pay close attention to the context provided by the rest of the clue and any intersecting letters. Understanding the subtle nuances—whether the clue refers to a literal movement, a metaphorical change, or even a specific part of a journey like a CORNER—is key to identifying the correct answer among many possibilities.
Crossword setters frequently use "turn" to test a solver's vocabulary depth and ability to interpret wordplay. By exploring the various facets of the word, you can broaden your approach to solving and improve your chances of success with this common clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: For a clue like "turn," the surrounding words are crucial. Does it suggest a physical movement (e.g., "turn a key"), a change in direction (e.g., "turn left"), a transformation (e.g., "turn water into wine"), or an opportunity (e.g., "a turn of events")?
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: "Turn" is part of many phrasal verbs (e.g., turn up, turn down, turn out, turn over). If the clue seems to hint at an action beyond simple rotation, think about these common idioms.
- Check Letter Count and Crossings: Always use the number of letters and any already-filled crossing letters as your primary filters. These constraints will quickly eliminate many incorrect possibilities, even for a word with many synonyms like "turn."
- Think of Synonyms for Specific Nuances: If the clue implies a sharp turn, consider answers like VEER or SWERVE. If it's about making something different, think CONVERT or SHIFT.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'turn' have so many different answers in crosswords?
'Turn' is a highly polysemous word, meaning it has multiple meanings and applications. In crosswords, its clue can refer to physical rotation, a change in direction, an opportunity (e.g., 'your turn'), a phase of life, or even a specific feature like a bend in a road. The wide range of meanings leads to a broad spectrum of possible answers depending on the specific context of the clue.
How can I distinguish between similar 'turn' clues in crosswords?
To distinguish between similar 'turn' clues, always consider the word length required for the answer. Also, pay close attention to any surrounding words or phrases in the clue that provide context (e.g., 'turn about', 'turn over', 'turn of events'). Finally, use crossing letters from other solved clues as critical hints to narrow down the possibilities. If it's a physical turn, think of synonyms for 'rotate', 'bend', 'pivot'. If it's a change, think 'convert', 'shift'.
Are there common crossword patterns or indicators associated with 'turn'?
Yes, 'turn' often appears in clues related to direction changes ('veer', 'swerve'), rotation ('spin', 'rotate', 'revolve'), or transformation ('convert', 'change'). It can also be part of phrasal verbs like 'turn out', 'turn up', 'turn down', 'turn over'. Clues might include synonyms like 'bend', 'curve', 'pivot', or phrases like 'go round', 'change course', 'make a U-turn'.