blows up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on "blows up crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "blows up crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
RAGES: To act or speak with violent anger, a common interpretation for 'blows up' when referring to a person's temper.
RUINS: To completely destroy or severely damage, often used metaphorically for plans or reputations.
6 Letters
ERUPTS: To break out or burst forth suddenly, like a volcano or a sudden fit of anger, similar to 'explodes'.
BURSTS: To break open or apart suddenly and violently, especially as a result of internal pressure.
7 Letters
IGNITES: To catch fire or cause to catch fire, often leading to an explosion or rapid combustion.
8 Letters
EXPLODES: To burst or shatter violently, often due to internal pressure or a sudden release of energy; the most literal meaning of 'blows up'.
INFLATES: To fill with air or gas, causing it to expand, as in 'blows up a balloon' or 'inflates prices'.
9 Letters
DETONATES: To cause (a bomb or explosive device) to explode, or to explode itself.
11 Letters
EXAGGERATES: To represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it really is; to overstate, as in 'blows up a story'.
More About "blows up crossword clue"
"Blows up" is a fascinating crossword clue because of its rich polysemy. It can refer to a physical explosion, a sudden outburst of emotion, an act of exaggeration, or even the act of filling something with air. This variety makes it a challenging yet rewarding clue for solvers. Understanding the different contexts in which "blows up" can be used is crucial for quickly identifying the correct answer.
Crossword setters love clues like "blows up" because they can lead solvers down multiple paths. Is it a literal explosion, a metaphorical one, or something else entirely? Often, the surrounding words in the puzzle or the theme of the crossword can provide hints to the intended meaning. Always consider the literal, figurative, and even slang uses of the phrase when you encounter it.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For versatile clues like "blows up," always brainstorm all possible interpretations (literal explosion, anger, inflation, exaggeration) before settling on one.
- Check Letter Count First: Narrow down the possibilities by matching your brainstormed words to the exact number of letters required by the grid.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by checking how it fits with letters from crossing words. This often reveals the precise meaning intended by the setter.
- Think About Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, the clue hints at a word that's a synonym or antonym of "blows up" in a specific context.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'blows up' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'blows up' is a versatile clue that can refer to several actions. Most commonly, it implies an explosion (e.g., EXPLODES, DETONATES, BURSTS). However, it can also mean to inflate (e.g., INFLATES), to become very angry (e.g., RAGES, ERUPTS), or to exaggerate something (e.g., OVERSTATES, EXAGGERATES). The context of the puzzle and other intersecting words are key to determining the correct meaning.
How can I differentiate between similar 'blows up' clues?
To differentiate, pay close attention to the word count of the answer and any other words in the clue. For example, 'blows up a balloon' clearly points to inflation, while 'blows up a bridge' suggests an explosion. If the clue is just 'blows up,' consider synonyms for explosion, anger, inflation, and exaggeration, and then use the letter count and surrounding letters to narrow down the options.
Are there common word patterns for 'blows up' answers?
Yes, common patterns often include words ending in -ES for verbs in the present tense (EXPLODES, ERUPTS, RAGES, INFLATES, RUINS). Longer answers like EXAGGERATES or DETONATES might appear for more specific or challenging clues. Always keep a mental list of these common verbs related to the various interpretations of 'blows up'.