cuckoo crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "cuckoo crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "cuckoo crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BIRD: Refers to the actual bird, known for its distinctive call and habit of laying eggs in other birds' nests.
5 Letters
CRAZY: A common metaphorical meaning for "cuckoo," indicating something absurd, foolish, or out of one's mind.
MADLY: While not a direct synonym for the state, "madly" can imply a "cuckoo" intensity in action or emotion, related to the "crazy" meaning.
6 Letters
INSANE: Another strong metaphorical meaning, similar to "crazy," implying a state of mental derangement or extreme foolishness.
9 Letters
ECCENTRIC: Describing someone who behaves in an unusual or peculiar way, often used to reflect the "cuckoo" behavior in a slightly more polite context.
More About "cuckoo crossword"
"Cuckoo" is a fascinating word in crosswords because it leverages both its literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to the cuckoo bird, famous for its brood parasitism and distinctive "cuck-oo" call, which is often mimicked in clock chimes. When a clue points to this meaning, you might see associations with nature, birdsong, or timepieces.
However, "cuckoo" is more frequently used metaphorically in puzzles to describe someone or something that is crazy, foolish, or utterly absurd. This stems from the bird's perceived odd behavior or its call sounding somewhat simplistic. Clues using this sense often imply a lack of sense, a strange idea, or a person who acts out of the ordinary.
Understanding which meaning the setter intends is crucial for solving. Always consider the surrounding words and the overall tone of the clue. Is it asking about an animal, or is it hinting at a state of mind? This dual nature makes "cuckoo" a versatile and often tricky word in the world of crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: For ambiguous clues like "cuckoo," always examine the words around it. If the clue mentions a "nest" or "spring sound," lean towards the bird. If it talks about "silly ideas" or "nuts," consider the metaphorical meaning.
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a potential answer, quickly verify if its letter count matches the grid. This can immediately eliminate incorrect guesses or confirm a strong possibility.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think about common synonyms for both meanings of "cuckoo." For the bird, think of other avian terms. For the "crazy" meaning, recall words like "insane," "loony," or "mad." Sometimes, clues are designed to make you think of the opposite, then find a word fitting the "cuckoo" description.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you're stuck, try to solve intersecting clues first. Even one confirmed letter can dramatically narrow down the possibilities for "cuckoo."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main meanings of 'cuckoo' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'cuckoo' can refer to the bird species itself, known for its distinctive call, or it can be used metaphorically to mean 'crazy,' 'insane,' or 'foolish.'
How can I tell which meaning of 'cuckoo' a crossword clue is asking for?
Context is key. Look at surrounding words in the clue. If it mentions nature, birdsong, or nests, it's likely the bird. If it implies absurdity, foolishness, or odd behavior, it's probably the metaphorical meaning.
Are there common synonyms for 'cuckoo' that appear in puzzles?
For the bird meaning, 'SONGBIRD' or specific cuckoo types might appear. For the metaphorical meaning, common synonyms include 'MAD,' 'CRAZY,' 'INSANE,' 'LOONY,' or 'FOOLISH.'