duck crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "duck crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you solve your puzzle faster and learn more about the versatile word "duck."
Solutions for "duck crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ZERO: In cricket, when a batsman is out without scoring any runs, referred to as a "duck."
5 Letters
DODGE: To avoid something with a quick movement, often used when "duck" means to quickly lower one's head or body.
EVADE: Similar to dodge, meaning to escape or avoid, often used in a figurative sense of "ducking" responsibilities.
STOOP: To bend the body forward and downward, a physical action related to "ducking."
6 Letters
FABRIC: "Duck" is also a strong cotton or linen canvas, known as duck cloth.
PLUNGE: To jump or fall quickly, often into water, akin to a duck diving.
7 Letters
MALLARD: A common and well-known species of duck, used when "duck" refers to the animal.
More About "duck crossword clue"
The word "duck" is a crossword setter's favorite due to its incredibly diverse meanings. As a verb, it can imply a swift downward or evasive movement, leading to answers like DODGE, EVADE, or STOOP. Think of "ducking for cover" or "ducking a punch" – this meaning is often tied to actions of avoidance or quick physical shifts, making it a common trap for solvers expecting only an animal.
Beyond action, "duck" is also a common noun. It refers to the well-known waterfowl (MALLARD, DRAKE), bringing avian-themed answers into play. Less commonly, but equally valid, "duck" can refer to a canvas-like FABRIC or a specific cricket term for scoring ZERO runs. These varied interpretations are what make "duck crossword clue" so versatile and, at times, challenging in puzzles, requiring solvers to consider context closely. Understanding these multiple layers of meaning is key to cracking such clues, moving beyond the obvious to discover the precise answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all parts of speech: "Duck" can be a verb, noun, or even an adjective (in "duck cloth"). Always try to identify how the clue is used in context to narrow down possibilities.
- Think about homonyms/idioms: Does "duck" imply a common phrase or a term from a specific field (like cricket for "duck out")? Crosswords love to play on words and their less common uses.
- Check letter counts carefully: If the word length is short, it might be a direct verb or the cricket term. Longer answers often point to specific breeds, types of fabric, or more descriptive terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies to sharpen your skills for any clue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does "duck" have so many different crossword answers?
A: The word "duck" is highly versatile in English, functioning as a noun (the bird, a fabric, a cricket score) and a verb (to avoid, to dip). Crossword setters exploit this polysemy to create challenging clues that require solvers to think beyond the most common meaning.
Q: Are there common themes associated with "duck" clues?
A: Yes, common themes include evasive actions (dodge, evade), avian terms (mallard, drake), or specific sports terminology (zero in cricket). The context of the clue, such as surrounding words or hints about a sport, can guide you towards the correct interpretation.
Q: How can I distinguish between the verb and noun meanings of "duck" in a clue?
A: Look for signal words in the clue. If it implies an action, a quick movement, or an evasion, it's likely a verb. If it refers to an animal, a type of material, or a score, it's a noun. Additionally, the number of letters in the expected answer can often provide a crucial hint.