like a basset hound crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "like a basset hound crossword," broken down by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and confidently.
Solutions for "like a basset hound crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
DROOPY: Often used to describe the ears or facial expression of a basset hound, characterized by a sagging or hanging appearance.
8 Letters
LOP-EARED: Directly describes the characteristic long, pendulous ears of a basset hound that hang down loosely.
SAD-FACED: Refers to the melancholy or mournful expression commonly associated with basset hounds due to their facial features, such as their droopy eyes and loose skin.
More About "like a basset hound crossword"
The clue "like a basset hound" is a classic example of a descriptive crossword clue that relies on common knowledge about a specific subject's appearance or characteristics. Basset hounds are instantly recognizable by their long, pendulous ears, short stature, and distinctive 'sad' facial expression, often accentuated by loose skin around their eyes and jowls.
Crossword setters frequently use these prominent features to guide solvers to answers that describe these traits. "Droopy" is a versatile answer that can refer to their ears or eyes. "Lop-eared" specifically describes the way their ears hang, while "sad-faced" captures the unique, almost melancholic, look that endears them to many.
Understanding these common associations not only helps with this particular clue but also provides a framework for tackling other descriptive clues in crosswords, especially those related to animals or people known for specific physical attributes.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the descriptor: When a clue says "like a...", "having...", or "characterized by...", focus on the most defining physical or behavioral traits of the subject.
- Think synonyms: For descriptive clues, consider various synonyms for the defining characteristics. For instance, "droopy" could also lead to "sagging" or "pendulous" in other contexts.
- Visualize the subject: If the clue refers to an animal, object, or person, try to picture them in your mind. What are their most striking features? This often unlocks the answer.
- Consider common crossword associations: Over time, certain characteristics become standard crossword fodder. Recognizing these patterns, like a basset hound's droopy ears, can be a major advantage.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What characteristics of a basset hound are often used in crossword clues?
Basset hounds are famously known for their long, droopy ears, wrinkled brows, soulful 'sad' eyes, and short legs. These physical traits are frequently leveraged in crossword clues to evoke terms like DROOPY, LOP-EARED, or SAD-FACED.
How can I identify a descriptive crossword clue like 'like a basset hound'?
Descriptive clues often use adjectives or phrases that indicate a quality, appearance, or state. Look for words like 'like a...', 'having a...', 'characterized by...', or adjectival forms. Think about the most prominent features or associations of the subject.
Are there other dog breeds commonly featured in crosswords for their distinctive traits?
Yes, many breeds are used. For example, 'like a poodle' might point to POODLE or CURLY, 'like a bulldog' to STOCKY or WRINKLED, and 'like a greyhound' to SLEEK or FAST. Crosswords often play on widely recognized characteristics.