own up to crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're grappling with the clue "own up to" in your latest crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, sorted by letter count, to help you complete your grid quickly and accurately. Find the perfect fit and uncover the meaning behind each answer.
Solutions for "own up to crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ADMIT: To acknowledge something, especially a fault or wrongdoing, often reluctantly.
7 Letters
CONFESS: To admit or acknowledge that one has committed an offense or crime, or that one has a secret or difficult feeling.
11 Letters
ACKNOWLEDGE: To accept or admit the existence or truth of something, often a fact or a statement. This can be less about wrongdoing and more about simply confirming a truth.
More About "own up to crossword clue"
"Own up to" is a common phrase that implies taking responsibility for something, often an error, a secret, or an action. In crossword puzzles, clues like this test your vocabulary for synonyms related to confession, admission, or revelation. The context of the surrounding words and the number of letters in the answer grid are crucial for pinpointing the exact solution.
The nuance between words like 'ADMIT', 'CONFESS', and 'ACKNOWLEDGE' is subtle but important. While 'ADMIT' is a general term for accepting something as true, 'CONFESS' often carries a stronger connotation of revealing a fault or crime. 'ACKNOWLEDGE' can be broader, simply meaning to recognize or confirm something without necessarily implying guilt. Understanding these slight differences can help you discern the best fit for your puzzle.
Crossword setters often use such clues to explore synonyms and phrasal verbs, encouraging solvers to think broadly about idiomatic expressions. Familiarity with these variations not only helps in solving but also enriches your general vocabulary. Keep an eye out for similar clues that might lead to related terms like 'reveal', 'divulge', or 'avow'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your synonym search.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words. These crucial clues will help confirm or deny your potential answers for "own up to."
- Think of Contextual Nuances: Does the puzzle have a theme? Does the clue imply a legal, personal, or general admission? The context can help you choose between closely related synonyms.
- Brainstorm Synonyms & Antonyms: For a clue like "own up to," brainstorm all synonyms (admit, confess, fess up) and even consider antonyms (deny, hide) to broaden your mental word bank.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'own up to' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'own up to' typically refers to admitting, confessing, or acknowledging a fact, a mistake, or a secret. It implies taking responsibility or making a revelation without hiding the truth.
Are there common synonyms for 'own up to' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, beyond the main answers like ADMIT, CONFESS, and ACKNOWLEDGE, you might encounter similar clues hinting at words like REVEAL, DIVULGE, or even CONFIDE, depending on the specific puzzle's nuance and the required letter count.
How can the number of letters help solve 'own up to' clues?
The number of letters is crucial! Once you identify potential synonyms for 'own up to' (like ADMIT, CONFESS, ACKNOWLEDGE), match them against the required word length in the puzzle. This narrows down the options significantly and helps you find the correct fit for the grid.