duds crossword puzzle – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "duds crossword puzzle", you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "duds crossword puzzle" by Letter Count
6 Letters
LEMONS: Often refers to items that are defective or unsatisfactory, a common meaning for "duds" when speaking of failures.
7 Letters
CLOTHES: A straightforward and very common interpretation of "duds" referring to articles of apparel.
8 Letters
FAILURES: Directly describes items or efforts that are "duds" because they did not succeed or perform as expected.
WASHOUTS: A colloquial term for something that is a complete failure or disappointment, strongly aligned with the meaning of "duds."
More About "duds crossword puzzle"
"Duds" is a fantastic example of how a single word in a crossword clue can have multiple, distinct meanings, often designed to challenge solvers. The most common interpretations revolve around two primary concepts: clothing (e.g., 'new duds') and items that are failures or defective (e.g., 'that car was a dud'). This duality makes it a favorite among crossword constructors who leverage linguistic ambiguity.
When you encounter "duds" in a puzzle, your first step should be to consider the letter count of the blank. Then, look at any intersecting letters you might already have filled in. These will often point you towards the correct meaning. For instance, if you have an 'L' and an 'S' and the word is six letters, LEMONS becomes a strong candidate for the "failure" meaning. Conversely, if you're looking for a seven-letter word and have a 'C', CLOTHES might be the intended answer for the apparel meaning.
Understanding these common double-meanings is key to becoming a more proficient crossword solver. Crossword puzzles frequently play on homographs, synonyms, and different senses of a word to create engaging and sometimes tricky challenges. Mastering these common traps, like the "duds" clue, will significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always think about alternative definitions for a clue, especially for short words or common slang like "duds."
- Use Intersecting Letters: Leverage letters from already solved clues. They are your most valuable asset in narrowing down possibilities, particularly when a clue has multiple potential answers.
- Check Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is a critical constraint. It immediately eliminates many possibilities and helps you focus on words that fit the grid.
- Think About Context: Sometimes, the theme of the puzzle or other clues in the same section can hint at whether "duds" refers to clothing or failures.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "duds" mean in a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, "duds" typically refers to either clothing items or things that are failures or disappointments. The specific meaning usually depends on the context provided by other intersecting clues and the overall puzzle theme.
Are there multiple answers for "duds" in crosswords?
Yes, "duds" is a versatile clue that can have several answers depending on the intended meaning. Common answers include CLOTHES (for garments) or LEMONS, FAILURES, or WASHOUTS (for items that don't work or are unsuccessful).
How can I figure out if "duds" means clothes or failures in a crossword?
To discern the correct meaning, look at the letter count of the answer, any intersecting letters from solved clues, and the general theme or tone of the puzzle. If the puzzle has a fashion theme, CLOTHES is likely. If it's more about shortcomings, then answers like LEMONS or FAILURES are more probable.