useless present crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "useless present crossword clue", complete with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "useless present crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DUD: Something that proves to be a failure or ineffective, often used to describe a disappointing or useless item.
5 Letters
LEMON: A product, especially a car, that is defective or unsatisfactory. Can also refer to any item that is useless due to being faulty.
7 Letters
GAG GIFT: A present given primarily for amusement or to play a joke, often impractical or silly, making it 'useless' in a conventional sense.
13 Letters
WHITE ELEPHANT: An idiom for a valuable but burdensome possession of which one cannot dispose. A common term for an unwanted or useless gift.
More About "useless present crossword clue"
The clue "useless present crossword clue" taps into a common human experience: receiving a gift that, while perhaps well-intentioned, serves no practical purpose or simply isn't desired. Crossword puzzles often use such relatable concepts, sometimes with a humorous twist, to create challenging yet solvable entries.
Answers like "DUD" and "LEMON" are broad terms for anything that fails to meet expectations or is defective, easily applicable to a bad gift. "GAG GIFT" specifically points to presents given for comedic value rather than utility, inherently making them "useless" in a functional sense. The most iconic answer, "WHITE ELEPHANT," comes with a rich history, symbolizing an expensive yet burdensome item, a perfect fit for a truly unwanted present.
Understanding these nuances and the cultural references behind such terms is key to cracking not just this clue, but many others that rely on idiomatic expressions or common phrases.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Idioms and Phrases: Many crossword clues, especially those implying abstract concepts like "useless present," often refer to common idioms or well-known phrases. Think beyond literal interpretations.
- Look at Letter Counts: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is your first and most crucial hint, immediately narrowing down possibilities.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If a clue seems tricky, consider synonyms for key words in the clue (e.g., for "useless": worthless, impractical, unwanted) or even antonyms if the clue hints at an opposite.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues to confirm or eliminate potential answers for "useless present." This is the core strategy of crossword solving.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a common term for a useless or unwanted present in crosswords?
One of the most common terms for a useless or unwanted present, especially in crossword puzzles, is 'WHITE ELEPHANT'. This term originates from the historical practice of Southeast Asian monarchs giving albino elephants as gifts to subjects whom they wished to ruin, as the animals were very costly to maintain.
Are 'gag gifts' considered useless presents in crosswords?
Yes, 'GAG GIFT' is frequently used as an answer for 'useless present' clues in crosswords. While intended for humor, gag gifts often lack practical utility, making them fit the 'useless' description perfectly in the context of a puzzle.
How can I identify a 'useless present' clue's answer in a crossword?
To identify answers for 'useless present' clues, look for words that imply lack of value, practicality, or desirability. Common synonyms or phrases include 'impractical gift,' 'unwanted item,' 'joke present,' 'flop,' 'dud,' or 'lemon.' Consider the number of letters required and common crosswordese.