huff and puff crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "huff and puff," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, along with explanations to help you understand why each answer fits. Get ready to conquer your crossword!
Solutions for "huff and puff crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BLOW: To expel air forcefully, often associated with a 'huff' sound or action, as in blowing wind or blowing a candle out, or a forced exhalation.
PANT: To breathe with short, quick breaths, typically after exertion or physical activity, which is the very essence of 'huffing and puffing'.
GASP: To draw in breath sharply, often from surprise, pain, or extreme exertion. This action can be a part of or lead to huffing and puffing.
5 Letters
EXERT: To apply force, effort, or influence. When one 'exerts' themselves physically, they often 'huff and puff' as a result of the strenuous activity.
SNORT: To make a sudden explosive sound through the nose, often indicating contempt, anger, or heavy breathing, sometimes associated with a 'huff'.
6 Letters
STRAIN: To make a great effort, either physical or mental. A 'strain' in physical activity directly leads to huffing and puffing from the exertion involved.
7 Letters
BREATHE: To take air into and expel it from the lungs. 'Huffing and puffing' is a specific, often heavy, way of breathing due to exertion or emotion.
More About "huff and puff crossword clue"
The phrase "huff and puff" is a vivid idiom often encountered in crosswords, and its meaning can vary slightly depending on the context. Literally, it describes the heavy, rapid breathing that occurs after strenuous physical exertion, such as running a race or climbing a steep hill. This is why answers like PANT, GASP, or even EXERT and STRAIN are common solutions, focusing on the physical act.
However, "huff and puff" can also carry a figurative meaning, implying bluster, indignation, or expressing anger noisily. Think of the Big Bad Wolf from the fairy tale, huffing and puffing to blow down the pig's house—here, it denotes a forceful, intimidating effort, often accompanied by loud exhalations. While less frequent for this specific clue in its most common form, some setters might twist it towards words implying angry exhalation or bluster.
When you encounter this clue, always consider both the literal breathing aspect and the potential for a more aggressive, expressive meaning. Pay close attention to the number of letters required and any intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities efficiently.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the context: Does the clue imply physical exertion (running, lifting) or an emotional state (anger, frustration)? This helps determine if the answer should be about breathing or temper.
- Think of synonyms: Brainstorm words for heavy breathing (pant, wheeze, gasp) and words for expressing annoyance (fume, bluster, grumble). One of these is likely your answer.
- Check for common phrases: "Huff and puff" is part of a common idiom. Crossword setters love these, so think of words that complete or are directly related to such phrases.
- Utilize intersecting letters: The letters you already have from other solved clues are your best friends. They often eliminate many possibilities and leave you with the correct one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'huff and puff' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'huff and puff' usually points to words related to heavy breathing from exertion, like 'PANT' or 'GASP'. It can also metaphorically refer to expressing annoyance or bluster, such as 'FUME' or 'BLOW', though the former is more common for this specific phrasing.
Are there common synonyms for 'huff and puff' used as answers?
Yes, common synonyms that appear as answers include 'BLOW', 'PANT', 'GASP', 'EXERT', and 'STRAIN'. The context of the puzzle and intersecting letters will help determine the exact answer.
How can I distinguish between literal and figurative meanings of 'huff and puff' in a clue?
Look for additional context. If the clue mentions physical activity ('after a run', 'up a hill'), it likely refers to literal heavy breathing. If it mentions emotions or speaking ('with anger', 'threaten'), it might lean towards the figurative meaning of bluster or annoyance. The length of the answer is also a crucial hint.