underhand crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "underhand crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SHADY: Often refers to something secret, illicit, or of questionable honesty, aligning well with the idea of underhandedness.
6 Letters
SNEAKY: Implies actions done in a secret, sly, or underhand manner, often with dishonest intent.
COVERT: Meaning not openly acknowledged or displayed, which directly relates to actions taken secretly or underhandedly.
7 Letters
DEVIOUS: Describes actions or methods that are indirect or dishonest, fitting the 'underhand' nature.
FURTIVE: Suggests actions done secretly and quietly to avoid notice, characteristic of underhand activities.
ILLICIT: Forbidden by law, rules, or custom, often carried out in an underhand or secret way.
11 Letters
CLANDESTINE: Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit or unauthorized, a strong synonym for underhand.
More About "underhand crossword clue"
The term "underhand" in a crossword clue context usually refers to something done secretly, slyly, or with dishonest intentions. It implies a lack of transparency and often suggests a hidden agenda or illicit activity. While 'underhand' can literally describe a type of throw in sports, in crosswords, it almost exclusively points to its figurative meaning related to deception or secrecy.
Understanding this nuance is key to solving such clues. Crossword setters love to play on words with multiple meanings, but the context within a puzzle often guides you to the intended interpretation. Look for other words in the clue that hint at secrecy or dishonesty, or consider the letter count to narrow down the possible answers like SHADY, SNEAKY, or CLANDESTINE.
This clue is a classic example of how crosswords test your vocabulary beyond the most common definitions, pushing you to explore synonyms and shades of meaning. Mastering these types of clues will significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If "underhand" is the clue, immediately consider answers like SHADY (5 letters) versus CLANDESTINE (11 letters).
- Think Beyond the Obvious: For words with multiple meanings, like "underhand" (literally a throw vs. figuratively secretive), always consider the less common or figurative meanings first in crosswords.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym doesn't fit, think of related concepts. For 'underhand', consider words that mean 'secretive', 'deceitful', or 'covert'. Sometimes, a clue for an antonym might appear elsewhere in the puzzle, indirectly helping you.
- Use Cross-References: If you've solved adjacent clues, use the letters that cross over into your "underhand" solution. These intersecting letters can often confirm or rule out potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'underhand' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'underhand' typically refers to actions or intentions that are secretive, dishonest, or sly. Clues using this term often lead to answers like SNEAKY, COVERT, DEVIOUS, or ILLICIT.
How can I find synonyms for 'underhand' to solve a crossword?
To find synonyms, think about words related to secrecy, deception, and unfairness. Consider words like 'covert', 'furtive', 'devious', 'shady', 'clandestine', or 'subtle'. The length of the answer box is your biggest hint.
Are there common tricks related to 'underhand' clues?
Crossword setters might use 'underhand' to trick you into thinking of a literal 'underhand throw' in sports. Always consider the figurative meaning first: secretive, deceitful, or unethical. Also, look for adjacent clues or letters that might confirm a particular word length.