war horse crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "war horse crossword clue," designed to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "war horse crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
CHARGER: A powerful horse, historically bred and trained for use in battle or by cavalry, capable of carrying a heavily armored rider.
VETERAN: An individual, often a former soldier, who has extensive experience in a particular field, especially in warfare. This term is often used metaphorically to describe someone who has 'seen a lot of action' or has a long history in a specific role.
8 Letters
DESTRIER: A type of horse specifically bred and trained as a warhorse in the medieval period, known for its strength, size, and agility in combat.
More About "war horse crossword clue"
The term "war horse" carries rich historical and metaphorical significance, making it a popular and versatile clue in crosswords. Literally, it refers to a horse specifically trained and used in battle, often large and powerful breeds like the destrier or charger. These animals were crucial to cavalry and warfare throughout history, embodying strength, courage, and loyalty.
Beyond its literal meaning, "war horse" is frequently used metaphorically to describe a person with extensive experience, particularly in a demanding or competitive field. Think of a seasoned politician, a veteran athlete, or a long-serving employee who has seen many challenges and emerged victorious. This dual meaning—literal and figurative—is precisely what makes it such an engaging crossword clue, requiring solvers to consider context.
Understanding both aspects of the term is key to successfully solving puzzles. The famous novel and play "War Horse" by Michael Morpurgo further popularized the literal image of a horse enduring the hardships of war, cementing its place in modern consciousness as a symbol of endurance and resilience.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count: Always check the number of letters required. This instantly narrows down your options, as demonstrated by the 7-letter (CHARGER, VETERAN) and 8-letter (DESTRIER) solutions for "war horse."
- Literal vs. Figurative: For clues like "war horse," determine if the puzzle is asking for a literal animal or a metaphorical term for an experienced person. Other clues in the puzzle might offer hints.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Look at intersecting words. If you have a few letters from a crossing word, it can provide invaluable insight and help you confirm a potential answer for "war horse."
- Think Synonyms & Historical Context: For historical terms like "war horse," consider synonyms or historically relevant words. A good thesaurus can be your best friend when stumped on precise terminology.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "war horse" mean in a crossword?
In crosswords, "war horse" can refer to a literal horse used in battle (like a CHARGER or DESTRIER) or, more commonly, a figurative term for an experienced person, particularly one who has seen a lot of action or is a long-standing expert in their field (a VETERAN).
Are there different types of "war horse" answers?
Yes, answers can range from specific historical terms for battle horses (e.g., DESTRIER, CHARGER) to metaphorical terms describing a highly experienced and enduring individual (e.g., VETERAN). The context of the surrounding clues often helps distinguish which meaning is intended.
How can I identify a figurative "war horse" clue?
Figurative clues for "war horse" might use phrases like "old hand," "seasoned campaigner," "battle-scarred individual," or "long-serving member." If the clue implies a person rather than an animal, a metaphorical answer like VETERAN is likely.