lean crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the potential solutions for the popular crossword clue "lean". We provide answers categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "lean crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TILT: To incline or cause to incline from a horizontal or vertical position. Often used when an object is 'leaning' to one side.
THIN: Having little flesh or fat; slender. Frequently used to describe a person or an animal, or a lean cut of meat.
5 Letters
SLANT: To lie or go in an oblique direction; to lean. Similar to 'tilt', but can imply a natural incline or bias.
6 Letters
MEAGER: Lacking in quantity or quality; sparse or poor. This interpretation of 'lean' implies a lack of abundance or richness.
7 Letters
RECLINE: To lean or lie back in a relaxed position. Often applies to people in chairs or beds, suggesting a leaning backward movement.
More About "lean crossword clue"
The clue "lean" is a classic example of a multifaceted word in crosswords, capable of referring to several distinct concepts. Its primary meanings revolve around physical inclination or a lack of fat/abundance. When you encounter "lean" in a puzzle, your first step should be to consider the context if any is provided alongside the clue. For instance, a clue like "Lean on" suggests reliance, while "Lean meat" clearly points to the physical characteristic of lacking fat.
Crossword setters love using such words to test your vocabulary and ability to identify the correct synonym from a pool of possibilities. The elegance of "lean" as a clue lies in its ability to be both a verb (to incline, to depend) and an adjective (thin, sparse). Always keep both grammatical forms in mind when brainstorming potential answers. Checking the number of letters required for the answer is often the quickest way to narrow down the options from the list above.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For clues like "lean" with multiple definitions, list out synonyms for each possible meaning (e.g., incline, thin, meager) before committing to an answer.
- Check Word Length: The exact number of letters is your best friend. It immediately eliminates many incorrect possibilities and helps focus your search.
- Look for Contextual Cues: Pay close attention to any prepositions or accompanying words in the clue (e.g., "lean against", "lean period"). These often provide direct hints to the intended meaning.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: As you fill in other answers, use the crossing letters to confirm your "lean" solution or to help you choose between multiple viable options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'lean' typically mean in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, 'lean' is a versatile clue that can refer to several concepts. It often means to incline or bend (e.g., TILT, SLANT, RECLINE), or to be thin and lacking fat (e.g., THIN, SLIM, SPARE). It can also imply something meager or insufficient (e.g., SCANT, MEAGER).
How can I determine which meaning of 'lean' is intended by the clue?
The context provided by other words in the clue (if any), the number of letters in the answer, and surrounding letters you've already filled in are crucial. For instance, 'lean against' points to 'TILT' or 'RECLINE', while 'lean cut' would suggest 'THIN' or 'SPARE'. Consider synonyms for each meaning.
Are there common tricky uses of 'lean' in crosswords?
Yes, 'lean' can be tricky because of its multiple meanings. Sometimes it's used figuratively, like 'lean on' meaning 'RELY'. Always consider all possible interpretations until the crossing letters narrow it down. Pay attention to whether the clue is a verb or an adjective.