crossword clue hawk – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "crossword clue hawk", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, explained and organized by length, to help you complete your puzzle quickly.
Solutions for "crossword clue hawk" by Letter Count
3 Letters
HEM: To clear one's throat in a loud, rough way, often to get attention or as part of 'hem and haw'.
4 Letters
VEND: To sell, especially as a hawker or peddler; to offer for sale.
6 Letters
FALCON: A bird of prey, closely related to a hawk, often used interchangeably in general contexts or as a specific type of raptor.
PEDDLE: To travel about and sell goods, often small items, as a peddler or hawker.
7 Letters
MONITOR: To watch or observe closely, often with a view to checking or controlling; to hawk over something.
More About "crossword clue hawk"
The word "hawk" is a classic example of a homonym that crossword setters love to use, precisely because it has several distinct meanings. While most people immediately think of the majestic bird of prey, "hawk" can also refer to the act of selling goods, often by shouting or calling out (as in a street hawker). Another common meaning is to clear one's throat with a rough sound, which gives us the idiom "hem and haw." Less frequently, it can also mean to watch or guard something closely, as in "to hawk over her children."
Understanding these multiple facets of the word is key to solving clues that use "hawk." Crossword constructors might use synonyms for the bird (like EAGLE or FALCON), verbs for selling (like VEND or PEDDLE), or even terms related to sounds (like HEM). The brilliance of such clues lies in their ability to mislead solvers who only consider the most obvious definition.
Always consider the context provided by the clue's wording, the letter count, and any intersecting answers to determine which meaning of "hawk" the puzzle setter intends. This multi-layered approach to wordplay is what makes crosswords both challenging and immensely rewarding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "hawk," have more than one definition. Always consider all possible meanings of a clue, especially for shorter words or common terms.
- Utilize Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most reliable guide. If you have a potential answer in mind, check if its length matches the available spaces.
- Look for Part of Speech Clues: Sometimes, the clue's grammar can hint at the answer's part of speech. If "hawk" is clued as a noun, look for bird names. If it's a verb, look for actions.
- Use Crossing Letters: Don't try to solve clues in isolation. Every letter you fill in from a crossing word provides a crucial hint for the perpendicular clues.
- Think about Common Crossword Tropes: Crossword puzzles often reuse certain types of clues or answers. Over time, you'll start recognizing patterns and common synonyms or related terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hawk' mean in crosswords?
The clue 'hawk' can have multiple meanings in crosswords. It commonly refers to the bird of prey, but can also mean to sell goods (like a street vendor), to clear one's throat loudly, or even to watch intently (to 'hawk over' something). The context of the puzzle and other crossing letters will help determine the correct meaning.
How do I know if 'hawk' refers to the bird or the verb?
Pay attention to the clue's phrasing and any surrounding words. If the clue describes an action (e.g., 'Sell door-to-door'), it's likely the verb. If it describes a creature (e.g., 'Bird of prey'), it's the noun. The number of letters in the answer and the checking letters from other clues are also crucial for disambiguation.
Are there other words like 'hawk' with multiple meanings in crosswords?
Absolutely! Crosswords frequently use homonyms and words with multiple dictionary definitions to increase difficulty. Common examples include 'crane' (bird/machine), 'bank' (river edge/financial institution), 'lead' (metal/guide), and 'bow' (weapon/bend). Always consider all possible meanings for a clue.