locked up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "locked up crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "locked up crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HELD: A general term for being kept or detained, often implies a form of custody.
5 Letters
CAGED: Confined within an enclosure, like a cage, implying strong restriction.
6 Letters
INJAIL: Describes being held within a correctional facility; a common answer for imprisonment.
JAILED: Similar to INJAIL, indicating that someone has been put into jail.
SHUTIN: Restricted to a building or confined indoors.
8 Letters
CONFINED: Means restricted to a specific place or area, limiting movement.
10 Letters
IMPRISONED: The act of being put into prison or held captive; a direct synonym for 'locked up'.
More About "locked up crossword clue"
The clue "locked up" often appears in crosswords, leading solvers to consider various states of confinement or security. Depending on the context, it might refer to a person incarcerated, an object securely stored, or even a feeling of being trapped. Crossword constructors love this clue for its versatility, allowing for both literal and figurative interpretations.
When encountering this clue, it's crucial to first look at the letter count. A shorter answer like 'HELD' or 'CAGED' might indicate a more general sense of restraint, while longer answers such as 'IMPRISONED' or 'CONFINED' point to more specific or prolonged states of being 'locked up'. Pay attention to any accompanying words in the clue that might narrow down the meaning, such as "locked up in a cell" versus "locked up tightly."
Beyond the literal sense of being in prison, "locked up" can also imply something being inaccessible or secured. For instance, a valuable item might be "locked up" in a safe. This broader interpretation means that answers can sometimes veer away from human detention and into terms related to security or closure, requiring solvers to think outside the box.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check the Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters required in the grid. This is your most powerful filter for possible answers, especially with clues like "locked up" that have many synonyms.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "locked up," brainstorm synonyms related to confinement, detention, security, or even antonyms like 'free' or 'open' if the clue is phrased as an opposite.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes, the clue includes additional words (e.g., "locked up with keys," "locked up in thought") that provide context. These subtle hints are vital for pinpointing the exact meaning and therefore the correct answer.
- Think Figuratively: Don't limit yourself to literal interpretations. "Locked up" can also refer to emotions, secrets, or data that is inaccessible.
- Use Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in from other clues to help deduce the missing letters for "locked up." This is a fundamental crossword strategy.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'locked up' typically refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'locked up' usually refers to being imprisoned, confined, or secured. Answers often relate to incarceration, detention, or simply being held in a specific place, ranging from a person in jail to an object secured in a room.
Are there common synonyms for 'locked up' that appear frequently?
Yes, common synonyms include 'CAGED,' 'INJAIL,' 'HELD,' 'CONFINED,' 'ARRESTED,' 'IMPRISONED,' or even 'BARRED' or 'BOLTED' depending on whether the clue refers to a person or an object, and the context of the puzzle.
How can I determine the correct length for 'locked up' answers?
The length is determined by the number of empty squares in the crossword grid. Always check the grid first. Additionally, the specific nuance of the clue (e.g., 'locked up in a small space' vs. 'locked up for a crime') can help narrow down options to fit the given length, as shorter answers might be more general while longer ones are more specific.