d u d s crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: How many letters does "duds" usually have in its answers?

Answers for 'duds' can vary widely, from short words like 'FLOPS' (5 letters) to longer ones like 'FAILURES' (8 letters) or 'CLOTHES' (7 letters), depending on the specific nuance the clue is aiming for and the puzzle's constraints.

Q: What's a good strategy for "duds" clues?

When encountering 'duds' in a crossword, first consider the context of other intersecting words. Think about synonyms for 'failures,' 'clothing,' or 'non-functional items.' Try different letter counts based on what fits the given spaces. Also, consider the publication or constructor's style, as some clues are more literal than others.

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "d u d s crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations and categorized by letter count to help you quickly complete your puzzle.

Solutions for "d u d s crossword clue" by Letter Count

5 Letters

FLOPS: Complete failures; unsuccessful attempts or events.

6 Letters

LEMONS: Defective products; duds in a commercial sense.

BLANKS: A cartridge that contains propellant but no projectile; a non-firing round.

CLUNKS: Items that are old, worn out, or of poor quality; often implying they are not working well.

7 Letters

CLOTHES: Garments; an informal term for personal apparel. Often used in phrases like "best duds."

FIZZLES: Failures; things that start with promise but end weakly or unsuccessfully.

BUSTERS: Things that fail or disappoint, or a type of firework that fails to ignite properly.

8 Letters

FAILURES: Items that don't work as expected; flops. A very direct synonym for duds.

More About "d u d s crossword clue"

The word "duds" is a versatile term in the English language, which makes it a favorite for crossword constructors. Its primary meanings revolve around failure or non-functionality, such as an unexploded bomb or a defective product (a "lemon"). This ambiguity allows for clues that range from literal to more figurative interpretations, challenging solvers to think broadly about synonyms for 'failure' or 'uselessness'.

Beyond its connotations of failure, "duds" also informally refers to clothing or personal attire. This secondary meaning often appears in phrases like "new duds" or "Sunday best duds," adding another layer of potential answers for a crossword puzzle. Recognizing which meaning the clue hints at is crucial for selecting the correct answer, often by checking intersecting letters.

When solving a clue involving "duds," it's helpful to consider the context provided by the rest of the puzzle. Is it a clue about a botched project? Then "failures" or "flops" might fit. Is it about what someone wears? Then "clothes" or "garments" could be the answer. The variety of meanings makes "duds" a challenging but rewarding crossword clue to solve.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Wordplay: Many "duds" clues might use puns or indirect language. Consider if the clue is literal (e.g., about something broken) or figurative (e.g., about clothes).
Check Letter Count: The number of blank spaces is your most important guide. Start by brainstorming words of the correct length that fit the common meanings of "duds" (failures, clothes, etc.).
Look at Intersecting Words: This is a golden rule for crosswords. If you have a few letters from crossing answers, these can dramatically narrow down the possibilities for "duds."
Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Over time, you'll notice certain words reappear. For "duds," think of common synonyms for failure (e.g., FLOPS, LEMONS) and clothing (e.g., ATTIRE, GARB).

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common meanings of "duds" in crosswords?

Duds typically refers to items that fail to work (like unexploded ordnance or defective products), or informally, to clothing. Crossword clues often play on these various meanings, making it important to consider context.

How many letters does "duds" usually have in its answers?

Answers for "duds" can vary widely, from short words like "FLOPS" (5 letters) to longer ones like "FAILURES" (8 letters) or "CLOTHES" (7 letters), depending on the specific nuance the clue is aiming for and the puzzle's constraints.

What's a good strategy for "duds" clues?

When encountering "duds" in a crossword, first consider the context of other intersecting words. Think about synonyms for "failures," "clothing," or "non-functional items." Try different letter counts based on what fits the given spaces. Also, consider the publication or constructor's style, as some clues are more literal than others.