bristles crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "bristles" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the common solutions, along with their explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "bristles crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
HAIRS: Short, stiff filaments, typically found on brushes or animal coats.
RAGES: To show intense, uncontrolled anger, as in "bristles with rage."
FEARS: To be filled with apprehension or dread, often used metaphorically for a person's reaction.
6 Letters
QUILLS: Stiff, sharp hairs or spines, characteristic of animals like porcupines.
FUSSES: To show excessive concern, annoyance, or objection, as in "bristles at the suggestion."
ERECTS: To make something stand upright or rigid, like hair standing on end.
7 Letters
SPROUTS: To begin to grow or send out new shoots, often referring to young plants or new developments.
More About "bristles crossword clue"
"Bristles" is a versatile crossword clue that can refer to several different concepts, making it a favorite of puzzle constructors. Its most literal meaning refers to short, stiff hairs, such as those found on a brush, a pig, or certain animals like porcupines. In this context, answers like HAIRS or QUILLS are common.
However, "bristles" also has a strong metaphorical usage, often indicating a sharp, reactive emotional state. When someone "bristles," they might be showing sudden anger, indignation, fear, or annoyance. This opens up answers like RAGES, FUSSES, or even FEARS, depending on the exact nuance and letter count required. Understanding both the literal and figurative meanings is key to solving this type of clue effectively.
Always pay close attention to the specific context provided by the full clue and any intersecting letters you've already filled in. This will help you discern which interpretation of "bristles" the puzzle setter intends, leading you to the correct solution more quickly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "bristles," consider if the meaning is literal (physical hairs) or figurative (a reaction or emotion). This distinction often guides you to the right answer.
- Check Letter Count and Intersections: Always cross-reference the number of letters required and any letters already filled from intersecting words. This is often the quickest way to narrow down multiple possibilities for a single clue.
- Think of Synonyms and Related Concepts: If a literal meaning doesn't fit, brainstorm synonyms or related concepts for the word. For "bristles," think about what people do when they bristle (e.g., get angry, show annoyance).
- Consider Common Crossword "Traps": Some words have multiple meanings that crossword setters love to exploit. Be aware that simple words can have complex solutions based on their less common definitions.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "bristles" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "bristles" can refer to short, stiff hairs (like those on a brush), or it can be used metaphorically to mean to show sudden anger, fear, or annoyance.
How can I identify the correct answer for "bristles" when there are multiple possibilities?
Look at the letter count provided by the puzzle. Also, consider the surrounding letters already filled in your crossword. The full clue often provides context; for example, "Porcupine's bristles" points to QUILLS, while "Flares up in anger" suggests RAGES.
Are there common word lengths for "bristles" answers?
Yes, common lengths include 5, 6, and 7 letters, covering terms like HAIRS, RAGES, QUILLS, FUSSES, and SPROUTS.