cut close nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "cut close" from a New York Times crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "cut close nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TRIM: To make something neat or orderly by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts.
CROP: To cut something very short, often referring to hair, a plant, or even an image.
PARE: To trim something by cutting away its outer edges or surface.
CLIP: To cut or snip with shears or scissors, often quickly and precisely.
SNIP: To cut (something) with scissors, especially with small, quick cuts.
5 Letters
SHAVE: To remove hair or a surface layer very closely, typically with a razor or other sharp instrument.
SHEAR: To cut or clip something from a surface, often referring to wool from sheep or similar actions with large scissors.
More About "cut close nyt crossword"
The clue "cut close" is a classic example of how crossword constructors use common phrases to evoke multiple possible answers, requiring solvers to consider the length and context of the puzzle. It typically refers to an action that reduces something in size or removes a layer very thoroughly. This could be literal, like a haircut or pruning, or figurative, such as cutting a budget very close.
NYT crosswords are known for their clever wordplay, and "cut close" fits this pattern perfectly. While the most straightforward meaning relates to physical cutting, constructors might occasionally twist its meaning to imply reducing something to a bare minimum or narrowly avoiding something (though the latter is less common for this specific phrasing). Always keep the overall theme and other intersecting words in mind when tackling such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. This is the single most important constraint for clues like "cut close," which have multiple valid synonyms.
- Consider Synonyms: Think broadly about synonyms for "cut" and "close." Words like trim, pare, crop, and shave are common, but also consider less obvious ones if the letter count demands it.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: Use the letters from crossing words as hints. If you have a few letters filled in from other clues, it drastically narrows down the possibilities for "cut close."
- Context is Key: While "cut close" often means physical reduction, occasionally a crossword might use it metaphorically. Pay attention to the puzzle's theme or other clues to gauge the constructor's intent.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between TRIM and CROP for 'cut close'?
Both TRIM and CROP mean to cut short, but TRIM often implies neatening or shaping, while CROP usually means cutting very short or removing a significant portion, especially in photography or hair.
Can 'cut close' ever mean something other than cutting?
While primarily referring to literal cutting, in rare crossword contexts, "cut close" could metaphorically imply a narrow escape or a near miss. However, for a straightforward clue, it almost always relates to physically shortening or reducing.
Why are there so many answers for a simple clue like 'cut close'?
Clues like "cut close" are effective because many English synonyms exist for the action of precise or significant reduction. This allows constructors flexibility and requires solvers to rely on letter count and intersecting words to find the unique solution.