not obvious crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "not obvious crossword clue" and need a quick solution or a deeper understanding, you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers and helpful explanations to get you unstuck and sharpen your crossword skills.
Solutions for "not obvious crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
VAGUE: Lacking clear definition or distinctness.
6 Letters
SUBTLE: So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe.
HIDDEN: Kept out of sight; concealed.
7 Letters
CRYPTIC: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.
OBSCURE: Not discovered or known about; uncertain.
8 Letters
INDIRECT: Not directly caused by or resulting from something.
PUZZLING: Causing difficulty in understanding or explanation.
More About "not obvious crossword clue"
Crossword clues like "not obvious" are designed to make you think laterally and delve deeper into your vocabulary. They rarely call for a straightforward synonym, instead prompting you to consider words that describe something concealed, understated, or perplexing. These types of clues are a favorite among constructors for their ability to challenge solvers beyond simple definition recall.
Mastering "not obvious" clues involves recognizing the subtle nuances of language. It often requires you to explore secondary meanings of words, idiomatic expressions, or to identify situations where something is implied rather than explicitly stated. Developing this skill can significantly enhance your enjoyment and success in solving more complex crosswords.
Consider the context of the puzzle, the setter's style, and any letters already filled in. Sometimes, an "not obvious" answer might be a less common adjective or a verb used in a less conventional way. The thrill of solving such a clue comes from making that insightful leap from the literal to the implied.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Wordplay: For "not obvious" clues, consider if the clue itself is a pun, idiom, or has a double meaning. Crosswords often play on words.
- Look for Indirect Synonyms: Don't just go for the most common synonym. Think of words that are related but perhaps less direct or more abstract. For example, instead of 'clear', think 'ambiguous'.
- Consider Context: If other letters are filled in, see how the "not obvious" answer fits into the broader theme or existing letters. This can help narrow down possibilities for elusive words.
- Check for Indicators: While "not obvious" clues might lack direct indicators for anagrams or specific wordplay, experienced solvers learn to spot when a clue isn't straightforward. Pay attention to short words like "perhaps," "could be," or odd phrasing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "not obvious" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "not obvious" often points to answers that are indirect, subtle, hidden, or require a deeper understanding of the clue's wordplay rather than a direct definition. It might indicate a double meaning, a pun, or a less common synonym.
How do I approach clues that seem "not obvious"?
When a clue seems "not obvious," try thinking laterally. Look for synonyms that have less direct connections, consider parts of speech carefully, and be aware of common crossword conventions like abbreviations, homophones, or anagrams (though typically indicated). Sometimes, the answer relates to a less common meaning of a word in the clue.
Are there common word patterns for "not obvious" answers?
Answers for "not obvious" clues often involve words like SUBTLE, HIDDEN, VAGUE, CRYPTIC, OBSCURE, INDIRECT, or NUANCED. They tend to be adjectives that describe something not easily perceived or understood. The length of the answer can also give a hint, guiding you towards shorter, more abstract terms or longer, more descriptive ones.