wire crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "wire crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "wire crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LEAD: An electrical conductor, often insulated, used to carry current, or a thin piece of metal used for various purposes.
5 Letters
CABLE: A strong, thick rope or chain, especially one made of metal strands, commonly used for electrical transmission or structural support.
6 Letters
STRAND: A single thin length of something, such as a thread of wire, often forming part of a larger cable or rope.
8 Letters
TELEGRAM: A message sent by telegraph, an older communication method often referred to as a 'wire' due to the telegraph wires used.
More About "wire crossword clue"
"Wire" is a fascinating crossword clue because of its multiple meanings and applications. Beyond its common association with electricity, it can refer to a variety of physical forms, from a thin filament in a light bulb to the sturdy cables supporting a bridge. Puzzlemakers often exploit this versatility to challenge solvers, forcing them to think beyond the most obvious definitions.
When you encounter 'wire' in a crossword, consider the length of the required answer. Shorter answers might lean towards basic electrical terms like LEAD or basic components like STRAND. Longer answers could delve into older terminology like TELEGRAM, or more specific uses like CONDUIT (though not listed above, it's a common 'wire' related term). Always pay close attention to any additional words in the clue that might hint at a specific context, such as "old message" for TELEGRAM or "component" for STRAND.
Understanding the different facets of 'wire' can significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy for this type of clue. It's a prime example of how everyday words can have deep and varied meanings in the world of crosswords, making them both challenging and rewarding to solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Homonyms: For "wire," think about words that mean the same thing (e.g., cable, line, filament) or even words that sound similar or have related historical meanings (e.g., telegram).
- Check Word Length: The number of letters is your biggest hint. If you have "wire" as a clue and need an 8-letter word, you might immediately think of TELEGRAM, rather than a shorter synonym like LEAD.
- Look for Cryptic Hints: Crossword clues often use wordplay. For "wire," a clue like "Old message from a thread?" could point towards TELEGRAM, combining the historical meaning with a subtle reference to the physical wire.
- Use Cross-References: If you've filled in a few letters from intersecting clues, use those letters to narrow down the possibilities for "wire." Sometimes, the puzzle solves itself as more letters fill in.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for 'wire' in crosswords?
The word 'wire' is remarkably versatile, covering electrical conductors, thin metallic threads, fencing materials, and even an old term for a telegram. This broad semantic range allows for multiple valid answers depending on the specific nuance and context of the crossword clue.
What is a common pitfall when solving 'wire' clues?
A common pitfall is to think only of the electrical context. Puzzlemakers frequently use 'wire' to refer to a 'telegram,' 'fence,' or 'line' (e.g., telephone line). Always consider the word length and any other contextual hints in the clue.
Does 'wire' ever mean something non-physical in crosswords?
Yes, absolutely! The most common non-physical meaning is 'telegram,' which was historically sent over telegraph wires. Clues might refer to 'sent a wire' or 'old message,' leading to TELEGRAM as the solution.