bowl over crossword – All Crossword Answers

More About "bowl over crossword"

"Bowl over" is a versatile idiom that can present an interesting challenge in crosswords due to its dual meanings. Primarily, it means to greatly impress, surprise, or overwhelm someone with emotion, often delight or astonishment. For example, "Her performance bowled over the critics." This is the most common interpretation in puzzles, leading to answers like ASTOUND, DAZZLE, or WOW.

However, "bowl over" can also literally mean to knock something or someone over, as in "The strong wind bowled over the old fence." While less frequent in crosswords for this specific phrase, it's essential for solvers to consider the context of other clues and the number of letters to determine which meaning the constructor intends. The emotional impact meaning tends to dominate due to its richer array of single-word synonyms.

Understanding these nuances is key to solving such clues efficiently. Crossword constructors often play on these multiple meanings to add layers of complexity, rewarding solvers who can think broadly about idiomatic expressions.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

• Consider Multiple Meanings: Many common phrases, like "bowl over," have more than one interpretation. Always think if the clue could refer to a literal action or a figurative expression.
• Check Letter Count First: The number of letters is often the strongest hint. Filter potential synonyms by their length before digging deeper into definitions.
• Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are invaluable for confirming or rejecting a potential answer, especially when a clue has multiple interpretations.
• Think About Context and Tone: While "bowl over" can be physical, its emotional sense is often more positive (like 'wow' or 'dazzle'). Consider if the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme suggest a particular tone.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.