fill to the gills crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "fill to the gills," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and improve your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "fill to the gills crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SATE: To satisfy (a desire or an appetite) to the full; to fill to contentment.
CRAM: To force (people or things) into a space that is too small; to fill (a space) by doing this tightly.
5 Letters
GORGE: To eat a large amount greedily; to fill oneself completely, often to excess.
STUFF: To fill a space or container tightly or completely, often with food or belongings.
More About "fill to the gills crossword clue"
The idiom "fill to the gills" vividly describes a state of complete repletion or extreme fullness. Originating from the literal meaning of a fish's gills, which are packed and essential for breathing, the phrase has evolved to signify being thoroughly satisfied or overflowing. In crosswords, this clue frequently appears to test your vocabulary related to consumption, abundance, or packing things tightly.
Understanding this idiom's nuances is key to solving the puzzle. While it most commonly relates to eating or drinking (e.g., GORGE, SATE), it can also extend to filling a space or container to its maximum capacity (e.g., STUFF, CRAM). The specific answer will always depend on the number of letters required by the grid and the context provided by intersecting words.
Crossword constructors love these kinds of idiomatic clues because they can have multiple interpretations and require a good grasp of synonyms and figurative language. By breaking down the core meaning – 'to fill completely' – you can identify various words that fit, then narrow down the choices based on length and other clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: Always start by counting the boxes. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for answers like "fill to the gills."
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Think about various ways one can "fill to the gills." Is it about eating? Filling a space? This helps you consider words like GORGE, SATE, STUFF, or CRAM.
- Use Intersecting Clues: The most powerful strategy! If you're stuck on "fill to the gills," solve the clues that cross it. The letters you fill in will provide crucial hints for the exact word.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crosswords often use idioms or less common synonyms. If your first thought doesn't fit, consider alternative interpretations of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'fill to the gills' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'fill to the gills' is an idiom indicating extreme fullness or repletion. It often refers to eating or drinking excessively, but can also metaphorically mean to be completely inundated with something. The answers will typically be verbs that mean to fill or satisfy completely, like GORGE, STUFF, SATE, or CRAM.
Why are there multiple answers for 'fill to the gills crossword clue'?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers depending on the specific puzzle's letter count and the constructor's intended solution. For 'fill to the gills,' several synonyms exist that fit the meaning, such as GORGE (5 letters), STUFF (5 letters), SATE (4 letters), or CRAM (4 letters). Always check the intersecting letters in your puzzle to confirm the correct word.
How can I find the correct 'fill to the gills' answer if I'm stuck?
First, count the number of blank spaces for the answer. Then, consider common synonyms for 'fill completely' or 'eat to excess' that match that length. If you're still unsure, try to solve intersecting clues first, as those letters will reveal which answer fits. Our site provides answers categorized by letter count to make your search easier.