cuckoo crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on the "cuckoo" clue? You've landed on the right page! We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers and their explanations to help you complete your crossword puzzle, regardless of the required word length. Dive in and find your solution!
Solutions for "cuckoo crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAD: Often used to describe someone who is 'cuckoo' or crazy.
NUT: A colloquial term for a person who is eccentric or 'cuckoo'.
4 Letters
BIRD: The literal creature, a cuckoo is a type of bird known for its distinctive call.
FOOL: Someone who acts unwisely or appears silly, fitting the 'cuckoo' persona.
DAFT: Silly or foolish, similar in meaning to 'cuckoo'.
LOON: A bird, but also a colloquial term for a crazy or foolish person, much like 'cuckoo'.
5 Letters
CRAZY: The most direct synonym for 'cuckoo' when it means insane or absurd.
CLOCK: Refers to a 'cuckoo clock', a common household item.
7 Letters
LUNATIC: A person whose actions or opinions are considered wildly foolish or irrational, a strong synonym for 'cuckoo'.
More About "cuckoo crossword clue"
The word "cuckoo" in crosswords is a classic example of how clues can have multiple layers of meaning. While its most literal interpretation refers to the bird known for its distinctive call and brood parasitic behavior, it is far more commonly used idiomatically to describe someone who is eccentric, foolish, or downright insane. This duality makes it a favorite among crossword setters for creating both straightforward and trickier clues.
When encountering "cuckoo" in a crossword, always consider the possibility of both its ornithological and its metaphorical meanings. The clue might hint at a bird, a timepiece (like a cuckoo clock), or a state of mind. Checking the number of letters in the expected answer is crucial, as is examining any other words in the clue for context that might nudge you towards one interpretation over another. For instance, a clue mentioning "tick-tock" would point to CLOCK, while "not sane" would indicate CRAZY or MAD.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For words like "cuckoo" with multiple meanings, always consider both the literal and figurative interpretations. Is the clue hinting at the bird, the sound, the clock, or a state of mind?
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving deep into synonyms, see how many letters the answer needs. This immediately narrows down your options and can help eliminate possibilities.
- Look for Companion Clues: Sometimes, another clue in the puzzle might offer a hint or a word that shares letters with your target, providing crucial validation for your chosen answer.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use a Thesaurus: For abstract concepts or idiomatic phrases, a thesaurus can be invaluable in finding synonyms that fit the letter count and the puzzle's style.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common interpretations of 'cuckoo' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'cuckoo' often refers to synonyms for 'crazy' or 'insane' (e.g., MAD, NUT, LOON, CRAZY, LUNATIC). It can also refer to the bird itself (BIRD) or the 'cuckoo clock' (CLOCK).
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'cuckoo'?
The surrounding words in the clue, the number of letters in the answer, and any thematic hints in the puzzle can help. For example, if the clue mentions time or sound, 'CLOCK' might be relevant. If it implies behavior, 'CRAZY' or 'MAD' would fit.
Are 'cuckoo' clues usually straightforward or tricky?
'Cuckoo' can be both. Its primary meaning as a bird is straightforward, but its common idiomatic use meaning 'crazy' makes it a popular choice for misdirection or clever wordplay, requiring solvers to think beyond the literal.