drain crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a puzzle and stuck on "drain crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "drain crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAP: To gradually weaken or exhaust, as if draining energy or vitality.
4 Letters
SINK: A basin where water drains away, or to cause liquid to flow downwards.
LEAK: To allow fluid or gas to escape or enter through a small hole or crack, a form of draining.
5 Letters
EMPTY: To remove all the contents from something, causing it to be drained.
FLUME: An artificial channel or chute carrying a current of water, often for draining or transport.
6 Letters
SIPHON: To draw off or convey liquid by means of a siphon, a process of draining.
GUTTER: A shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater, or a channel at the side of a street for drainage.
7 Letters
DEPLETE: To use up the supply or resources of, to empty or exhaust.
EXHAUST: To use up completely, or to draw off a gas or liquid.
CHANNEL: A passage for water or other liquids to flow along, or to direct something into a particular course.
More About "drain crossword clue"
"Drain" is a highly versatile word that frequently appears in crossword puzzles due to its multiple meanings. It can refer to the physical act of removing liquid, as in "drain the pasta," or to a metaphorical depletion, such as "drain one's energy." This dual nature often allows setters to create clever and challenging clues that test a solver's vocabulary and understanding of nuances.
When you encounter "drain" as a clue, consider both its literal and figurative applications. Literal answers might include words related to plumbing, waterways, or the act of emptying containers. Figurative answers often relate to tiring, weakening, or consuming resources. The specific number of letters required and any intersecting words will be your best guides to pinpointing the exact meaning the setter intended.
Understanding these different facets of "drain" can significantly improve your success rate with puzzles. It's a prime example of how everyday words can become complex and intriguing challenges in the world of crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer with the exact number of boxes provided. This is the quickest way to narrow down options for clues like "drain."
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For "drain," think of words that mean to empty, exhaust, or channel. Sometimes, a clue might hint at the opposite meaning, requiring you to think outside the box.
- Look at Surrounding Clues: Intersecting words are your best friends! If you have a few letters from other answers, they can often reveal the correct "drain" solution, especially when multiple possibilities exist.
- Think Figuratively and Literally: "Drain" can be about water flowing or about energy diminishing. Consider both concrete and abstract meanings of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "drain" typically mean in a crossword puzzle context?
"Drain" in crosswords usually refers to emptying, depleting, exhausting, or drawing off a liquid. It can also refer to the pipe or channel through which something is drained, or to a gradual decline in strength or resources.
Why are there so many answers for "drain crossword clue"?
The word "drain" has a broad semantic field, encompassing various actions (to empty, to exhaust), objects (a pipe, a channel), and states (depletion). This versatility allows crossword setters to use it in many different contexts, leading to multiple valid answers depending on the specific nuance and letter count.
How do I differentiate between similar "drain" answers like DEPLETE and EXHAUST?
Both DEPLETE and EXHAUST mean to use up completely. The choice often comes down to the letter count or the specific nuance intended by the puzzle setter. 'Deplete' often implies a reduction of resources, while 'exhaust' can refer to making something (or someone) very tired, or drawing off gas/liquid fully. Pay attention to other clues that might hint at a more specific meaning.