foiled crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "foiled crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
UPSET: To cause someone to be defeated or to overthrow something. Can mean to prevent the success of.
6 Letters
DASHED: To destroy or frustrate (hopes or plans). To bring to an end suddenly.
7 Letters
BLOCKED: Obstructed or prevented from progressing. A direct way of saying an effort was stopped.
8 Letters
HINDERED: Created difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction. Similar to thwarted but can imply less complete failure.
8 Letters
THWARTED: Effectively prevented (someone) from accomplishing something. A strong synonym for foiled, implying a complete defeat of an attempt.
More About "foiled crossword clue"
"Foiled" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often requiring a synonym that describes the act of preventing success, frustrating plans, or defeating an opponent. The key to solving such a clue lies in understanding the specific nuance required by the puzzle. Is it a general obstruction, a complete defeat, or a subtle undermining? The number of letters available in the grid is your first hint, narrowing down the possibilities.
Clues like "foiled" can often appear in different tenses or forms. For instance, "foiled" itself is a past participle, suggesting answers like BLOCKED, THWARTED, or HINDERED. However, depending on the cryptic nature or specific wording of the clue, it might also lead to present tense verbs or even nouns. Always consider the part of speech implied by the clue to ensure your answer fits perfectly.
The beauty of "foiled" as a clue is its ability to connect to various scenarios, from a foiled bank robbery to a politician's foiled plans. This broad applicability means a wide range of synonyms could be correct, making context from other solved clues crucial. Pay attention to any additional words in the clue that might provide more specific direction, helping you pinpoint the exact word the constructor had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use letters from already solved clues to narrow down options for "foiled". Even one letter can eliminate many incorrect synonyms.
- Consider Tense and Part of Speech: Is the clue "foiled" (past tense verb or adjective), "foil" (noun or present tense verb), or "foiling" (present participle)? This will dictate the form of your answer (e.g., THWARTED vs. THWART).
- Brainstorm Synonyms: Think broadly about words that mean to prevent, frustrate, or defeat. Don't just stick to the most obvious ones; sometimes a less common synonym is the correct fit.
- Use Letter Count Strategically: If you have an answer that seems right but doesn't fit the letter count (e.g., 'stop' for a 7-letter slot), think of synonyms of that word that do fit (e.g., BLOCKED).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'foiled' mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'foiled' typically refers to the act of preventing someone from succeeding, obstructing a plan, or defeating an attempt. It often points to verbs or past participles related to hindering, stopping, or frustrating an effort.
How can I determine the correct answer when a 'foiled' clue has multiple possibilities?
When multiple words could fit the 'foiled' clue, first check the number of letters required by the grid. Then, use intersecting letters from already solved clues – these fixed letters will significantly narrow down the options. Finally, consider the exact nuance of the clue (e.g., past tense, present tense, noun) to pick the best synonym.
Are there common patterns or word types for answers to 'foiled' clues?
Answers related to 'foiled' frequently appear as past participles (ending in -ED) like BLOCKED, THWARTED, or HINDERED. However, they can also be simple verbs or adjectives such as UPSET or DASHED. Paying attention to the word length and any additional context in the clue will guide you to the correct form.