mares-nest crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "mares-nest crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "mares-nest crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MESS: A state of confusion or disorder, often used synonymously with a chaotic situation.
5 Letters
SNAFU: An acronym for a 'situation normal, all fouled up', perfectly describing a state of disarray or confusion.
6 Letters
TANGLE: A confused or jumbled mass; also, a state of entanglement or complication.
9 Letters
EMBROGLIO: A highly complicated, confused, or embarrassing situation, often with a sense of contention or misunderstanding.
More About "mares-nest crossword clue"
The idiom "mare's nest" refers to a discovery that turns out to be illusory, a hoax, or a complicated, confused, and sometimes absurd situation. Originating from the 16th century, it plays on the idea of finding something extraordinary (a bird's nest) in an unlikely place (that of a mare), only for it to be a delusion or a mere tangle of straw and confusion.
In crosswords, this clue often points to words that describe disorder, chaos, complexity, or deception. Understanding the full scope of the idiom's meaning can help you navigate different puzzle setters' interpretations, whether they lean towards the 'confused situation' aspect or the 'hoax/illusory discovery' side.
Successful solvers know that a deep grasp of common idioms and their nuances is key to cracking trickier clues. "Mare's nest" is a classic example of how a well-known phrase can lead to a variety of related answers depending on the specific context of the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: For idiomatic clues like "mare's nest", consider both the literal (though nonsensical) image and the figurative meaning. Crossword setters love to play on both.
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the number of letters. This immediately narrows down your potential answers significantly, especially when multiple synonyms exist.
- Use Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a difficult clue in isolation. The letters from other, easier intersecting clues will often provide the necessary hints to confirm your "mare's nest" solution.
- Consider Cryptic Meanings: If it's a cryptic crossword, "mare's nest" might also involve anagrams, hidden words, or other wordplay elements related to horses or birds, in addition to its idiomatic sense.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'mare's nest' typically clue in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'mare's nest' commonly clues words related to confusion, disorder, a hoax, an illusory discovery, or a complicated, entangled situation. It's an idiom referring to a chaotic or perplexing state of affairs.
How can I choose the best answer for 'mare's nest' if multiple options fit?
Always check the required letter count from the crossword grid first. Then, look at intersecting letters from clues you've already solved. The puzzle's theme or the setter's typical style might also provide clues to the exact nuance of 'mare's nest' they're looking for.
Is 'mare's nest' a common idiom in everyday language?
While perhaps not as common as some modern idioms, 'mare's nest' is a well-established English idiom, meaning a confused or messy situation, or a discovery that turns out to be illusory or a hoax. Its use in crosswords relies on this traditional understanding.