underground passageway crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "underground passageway", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "underground passageway crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MINE: An excavation made in the earth for extracting minerals, often involving extensive underground passages.
CAVE: A natural underground chamber or series of chambers, often forming a passageway.
6 Letters
TUNNEL: A man-made underground passage, typically for transport (like trains or cars) or utilities (like pipes).
SUBWAY: An underground railway system, often referring to the specific type of tunnel used for public urban transport.
9 Letters
UNDERPASS: A road or pedestrian passage going underneath another road, railway, or barrier.
More About "underground passageway crossword clue"
The term "underground passageway" is broad, encompassing both natural formations and man-made constructions. In crosswords, the specific context often determines the correct answer. For instance, a clue mentioning "trains" would likely point to SUBWAY or TUNNEL, while one about "minerals" might suggest MINE. Understanding the subtle differences in meaning can be crucial.
These passages serve various critical functions, from facilitating transport and housing essential utilities like water pipes and cables, to providing access for mining operations or even serving as shelters. Historically, they've also been used for military purposes or as secret escape routes. Their construction often represents significant engineering feats, especially when dealing with challenging geological conditions.
When encountering this clue, consider whether the desired answer is a generic term (like TUNNEL) or a more specific type of passage (like an UNDERPASS for vehicles). The number of letters is, of course, your primary guide, but context is king in distinguishing between closely related terms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Function: Is the passageway for people, vehicles, water, or something else? This often helps narrow down options between a TUNNEL, SUBWAY, or DUCT.
- Look for Natural vs. Man-made: Clues might hint if it's a natural formation (like a CAVE) or something constructed by humans (like a TUNNEL or MINE).
- Check for Specific Industries: If the clue mentions mining or excavation, answers like MINE or SHAFT become more probable.
- Analyze Letter Count Carefully: Always double-check the length of your potential answer against the required letter count. This is the most straightforward way to eliminate possibilities.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Clues: The letters you've already filled in from other clues are invaluable. They can confirm or contradict your initial ideas for "underground passageway."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for an underground passageway in crosswords?
Common synonyms for an 'underground passageway' include TUNNEL, SUBWAY, UNDERPASS, MINE, SHAFT, DUCT, and CAVE. The specific answer depends on the letter count and surrounding clues.
How do crossword setters differentiate between types of underground passages?
Setters often use context clues. For example, 'transport passage' might point to TUNNEL or SUBWAY, 'mineral extraction site' to MINE, or 'natural chamber' to CAVE. Pay attention to the specific wording and any additional hints.
Are natural formations like caves considered 'passageways' in crosswords?
Yes, in many crosswords, natural formations like CAVES or GROTTOS can be valid answers for 'underground passageway', especially if they refer to a route or path within the earth rather than a simple chamber.