very long or tiresome crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're struggling with a clue that feels excessively drawn out or simply exhausting to decipher, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers for "very long or tiresome crossword clue," complete with explanations to help you understand the logic behind each solution and improve your crossword skills.
Solutions for "very long or tiresome crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EPIC: An answer for 'very long' in crosswords, implying something extensive or grand in scale.
6 Letters
PROLIX: Often describes writing or speech that is tediously lengthy or diffuse, fitting 'tiresome' for a clue.
7 Letters
LENGTHY: A direct synonym for 'very long', commonly used in puzzles to indicate extended duration or size.
8 Letters
OVERLONG: Implies something that extends beyond an appropriate or desired length, directly addressing 'very long'.
10 Letters
MONOTONOUS: Suggests something dull, tedious, and unchanging, making it a fit for 'tiresome'.
More About "very long or tiresome crossword clue"
Crossword constructors often employ varied clue lengths to add complexity and interest to their puzzles. A "very long or tiresome crossword clue" can be a specific type of challenge, designed to make solvers think outside the box. These clues might contain red herrings, unnecessary details, or convoluted phrasing that aims to obscure the actual meaning rather than reveal it directly. Understanding this psychological aspect of clue writing can be a significant advantage, helping you to approach these challenges with a strategic mindset.
While the sheer length of such a clue might seem daunting, it often provides more opportunities for solvers to find keywords, identify wordplay mechanisms, or even spot hidden definitions. 'Tiresome' aspects can include overly complex anagrams, double meanings, or references to obscure trivia. The key is not to get overwhelmed by the word count but to methodically break down the clue, looking for the essential components and disregarding the 'filler' designed to distract you. Patience and a methodical approach are your best tools.
Sometimes, the very length of the clue itself hints at the nature of the answer – perhaps it describes something literally long, or a process that is drawn out. Other times, it's a clever misdirection, leading to a surprisingly short or simple answer once the trick is revealed. The art of solving these clues lies in patience and a keen eye for detail, separating the signal from the noise and understanding the constructor's intent.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Parse the Clue Systematically: For long clues, don't try to grasp it all at once. Identify the subject, verb, and any modifiers. Look for punctuation or conjunctions that might break the clue into logical, digestible segments.
- Identify Wordplay Indicators: Be on the lookout for specific words or phrases that often signal wordplay (e.g., "might be," "perhaps," "confused," "mixed up," "sounds like," "when spoken"). In long clues, these indicators might be buried amongst other words.
- Always Check the Answer Length: A very long clue doesn't automatically mean a very long answer. Knowing the precise number of boxes in the grid is crucial for narrowing down possibilities and preventing you from overthinking.
- Leverage Cross-References: If a clue is particularly stubborn, move on to other entries. Solving surrounding words will provide you with valuable cross-letters, which can make the previously "tiresome" clue suddenly obvious or solvable.
- Consider the Puzzle's Theme or Style: Some puzzles or constructors have a distinct style. If you notice a pattern of puns, literary references, or specific types of wordplay in other clues, apply that context to the trickier ones.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some crossword clues very long or tiresome?
Longer clues can serve multiple purposes: to mislead, to provide more context for a less common word, or to simply add to the challenge by requiring careful parsing of superfluous words. 'Tiresome' clues often rely on puns, wordplay, or obscure knowledge that demand extra thought and persistence.
How can I approach a 'very long or tiresome' crossword clue?
Break the clue down into smaller parts. Look for keywords, synonyms, and indicators of wordplay (like 'might be', 'perhaps', 'sounds like'). Try to identify the core meaning or the trick. Sometimes, the length is just flavor text, and the key information is concise, requiring you to filter out the noise.
Do longer clues always mean longer answers?
Not necessarily. A very long clue can lead to a short answer, especially if it's a deceptive or pun-based clue. Conversely, short clues can sometimes lead to very long answers, particularly in cryptic crosswords. Always check the grid for the number of letters required before committing to an answer.