crossword clue letter opener – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the trickiest crossword clues! If you're stuck on "crossword clue letter opener," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue letter opener" by Letter Count
9 Letters
PAPEKNIFE: A common and precise term for a specialized tool, often with a dull blade, used for opening envelopes cleanly without tearing the contents.
7 Letters
SLITTER: A general term that accurately describes the function of a letter opener, which is to make a thin cut.
6 Letters
DAGGER: While primarily a weapon, small, decorative daggers or ornate knives have historically been used, or figuratively referred to, for opening letters in crosswords.
More About "crossword clue letter opener"
A letter opener, often also known as a paper knife, is a specialized hand tool used to open envelopes. Unlike a conventional knife, most letter openers have a dull or blunt blade designed to neatly slit the paper along the envelope's seam without cutting through the contents. They come in various designs, from simple utilitarian tools to ornate, decorative pieces made from materials like silver, ivory, or wood, often found on executive desks.
The efficiency and elegance of a letter opener make it a preferred tool for managing incoming mail, preventing accidental tears that can happen when tearing envelopes by hand. Its simple yet effective design ensures that letters are accessed cleanly and respectfully, preserving both the envelope and its contents.
In crosswords, clues like "letter opener" can sometimes be tricky because they might refer to the specific tool (like PAPEKNIFE) or a broader category of object that performs a similar function (like SLITTER or even DAGGER, playing on the blade aspect). Context and letter count are crucial in deciphering which answer fits best.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Broader Meanings: For clues like "letter opener," think beyond the most obvious answer. Could it be a general term for something that cuts (SLITTER) or an object that might historically have served the purpose (DAGGER)?
- Pay Attention to Letter Count: The number of letters is your most powerful constraint. If you have an eight-letter space, "PAPEKNIFE" (9 letters) is out, but something like "STILETTO" (8 letters) might be a possibility if the context allows. Always verify the exact count.
- Look for Figurative Language: Some clues use metaphorical or indirect language. A "letter opener" might imply something that reveals information, for example, though less common for this specific clue.
- Use Cross-References: Don't forget to use the intersecting words. If you have a few letters from the crossing clues, those will significantly narrow down the possibilities for "letter opener."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of a letter opener?
A letter opener is primarily used to easily and cleanly open sealed envelopes without damaging the contents or the letter itself. It provides a more precise and often safer alternative to using fingers or other common objects.
Are letter openers always sharp like knives?
No, most traditional letter openers, often called 'paper knives,' have a dull or blunt edge. They are designed to slit the paper along the seam of the envelope rather than cut it, which makes them safer to handle than sharp knives, while still being effective.
Why might 'dagger' or 'slitter' be a crossword answer for 'letter opener'?
Crosswords often use synonyms, broader terms, or historical associations. 'Slitter' directly describes the action of opening. 'Dagger' can be used because historically small, decorative daggers were sometimes employed for this task, or more broadly, it refers to a thin, pointed object capable of piercing.