crossword clue quagmire – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword clue quagmire," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue quagmire" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MIRE: A stretch of boggy or marshy ground; also, a difficult situation from which it's hard to extricate oneself.
5 Letters
SWAMP: An area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects; a bog or marsh. Figuratively, to overwhelm or be inundated.
6 Letters
MORASS: An area of muddy or boggy ground. Figuratively, a complicated or confused situation from which it is difficult to escape.
7 Letters
DILEMMA: A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
11 Letters
PREDICAMENT: A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
More About "crossword clue quagmire"
"Quagmire" is a fascinating word often seen in crosswords because of its dual meaning. Literally, it refers to a soft, boggy area of land that gives way underfoot, making it difficult to traverse. This makes synonyms like MIRE, SWAMP, and MORASS common answers. The imagery evokes a sense of being stuck or trapped.
Figuratively, a "quagmire" describes a difficult, precarious, or entrapping situation from which it is hard to escape. This metaphorical use allows for a wider range of answers, including words like DILEMMA, PREDICAMENT, or even MESS. Crossword setters love to play on these multiple interpretations, making the clue tricky but rewarding once solved.
Understanding both the literal and figurative senses of "quagmire" is key to cracking such clues. Always consider the length of the answer required and any other intersecting letters in your grid to narrow down the possibilities. This duality is a common feature in many complex crossword clues, testing your vocabulary and lateral thinking.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letter count from your grid with the potential answers. This is often the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities for clues like "quagmire."
- Consider Dual Meanings: Many words, including "quagmire," have both literal and figurative meanings. Be prepared to think beyond the most obvious interpretation, especially if initial synonyms don't fit.
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes the clue itself or surrounding clues might hint whether the setter is leaning towards a literal (e.g., "muddy spot") or figurative (e.g., "tough situation") answer.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to guess the answer in isolation. Utilize any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These can be critical in confirming or ruling out an answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'quagmire' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'quagmire' commonly refers to both literal muddy, boggy ground (like MIRE, SWAMP, BOG, MORASS) and figuratively to a difficult, complex, or embarrassing situation from which it's hard to escape (like DILEMMA, PREDICAMENT, or MESS).
Are there common short answers for 'quagmire' clues?
Yes, frequent short answers include MIRE (4 letters), BOG (3 letters), and FEN (3 letters). The specific context and available letters in your puzzle will help determine the best fit.
How can I distinguish between literal and figurative 'quagmire' answers?
Pay attention to the full clue wording. If it mentions 'mud,' 'marsh,' or 'wetland,' a literal answer is likely. If it describes a 'dilemma,' 'trouble,' or 'mess,' a figurative answer like PREDICAMENT or DILEMMA is more appropriate. The letter count is also a major hint.