crony crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on 'crony crossword clue'? You've come to the right place! We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and sharpen your crossword skills.
Solutions for "crony crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PAL: A common short answer for a close friend or associate.
4 Letters
MATE: Another term for a companion or friend, often used in British English.
6 Letters
FRIEND: A general term for a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
9 Letters
CONFIDANT: A person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it to others.
More About "crony crossword clue"
The word 'crony' often appears in crossword puzzles as a clue for a close companion, friend, or associate. While it can simply mean a 'pal' or 'mate,' it sometimes carries a slight negative connotation, implying someone who benefits from a relationship rather than a genuine friendship, particularly in political contexts. However, in crosswords, it's usually used in its more neutral sense, focusing on the meaning of a trusted companion.
Crossword setters love 'crony' because it allows for a range of answers from short, common words like 'PAL' or 'BUD' to longer, more formal terms like 'CONFIDANT' or 'ACQUAINTANCE'. The specific answer often depends on the number of letters required and any crossing letters you've already filled in. Always consider the length and the context of the surrounding puzzle when tackling this type of clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- 1. Check Letter Count: For 'crony' clues, immediately think of synonyms that match the required letter length. 'PAL' (3 letters), 'MATE' (4 letters), and 'FRIEND' (6 letters) are frequent solutions.
- 2. Consider Nuances: While 'crony' can have a slightly negative undertone, in crosswords, it usually points to a neutral synonym for a close associate. Don't overthink the negative aspect unless the clue explicitly suggests it.
- 3. Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes, the clue might add context, e.g., 'Old crony' might suggest a more specific term or a different register. Pay attention to any additional words in the clue as they can provide valuable hints.
- 4. Use Crossing Letters: Always use the letters from intersecting words to narrow down your options for 'crony'. If you have 'P _ L', 'PAL' becomes highly probable; if 'F _ I _ N _', 'FRIEND' is a strong candidate.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a crony in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, 'crony' typically refers to a close friend, companion, or associate, often implying a shared, perhaps informal or even slightly dubious, relationship. Common answers include PAL, MATE, BUD, or FRIEND.
Why do 'crony' clues often have short answers like 'PAL' or 'BUD'?
Crossword puzzles frequently use short, common synonyms for everyday words to fit into smaller grid spaces. 'PAL' and 'BUD' are concise and widely understood synonyms for 'crony' or 'friend', making them popular choices for setters.
How can I improve my chances of solving 'crony' related clues?
Think about synonyms for 'friend', 'companion', or 'associate' across different letter lengths. Consider informal terms. Also, look at the crossing letters to narrow down possibilities. Sometimes, the clue might hint at a specific context, like 'crony, informally' leading to 'PAL'.