duds crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find the comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "duds", along with detailed explanations to help you understand and solve your puzzles with ease.
Solutions for "duds crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WEAR: Another word for clothing or garments, frequently appearing in puzzles.
GARB: Specific clothing, often implying a particular style or uniform.
5 Letters
FLOPS: Refers to failures or unsuccessful items, covering the secondary meaning of 'duds' (e.g., 'The movie was a dud').
6 Letters
ATTIRE: General formal or informal clothing, fitting the 'duds' meaning well.
7 Letters
CLOTHES: A common term for garments, often used as a direct synonym for 'duds' in crosswords.
More About "duds crossword clue"
"Duds" is a versatile word in crosswords, often tripping up solvers due to its dual primary meanings. Most commonly, it refers to "clothes" or "attire," encompassing a wide range of garments from casual wear to more formal outfits. This usage is historical and remains prevalent in many puzzles.
However, "duds" can also refer to "failures" or "unsuccessful items," as in a "dud" firecracker or a "dud" movie. Crossword setters cleverly leverage this ambiguity, so always consider the surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme to determine the intended meaning. Recognizing both aspects of "duds" is key to unlocking its solution and avoiding common pitfalls.
Mastering such multi-faceted clues significantly improves your crossword-solving skills, allowing you to approach similar words with confidence and a broader perspective on potential answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Context: For clues like "duds," think beyond the obvious. Are there synonyms for clothing? Or is the puzzle hinting at the "failure" meaning? Always check surrounding clues for context to guide your choice.
- Check Letter Count First: Use the number of letters provided for the answer to immediately narrow down possibilities. If "duds" is a 7-letter clue, "CLOTHES" fits, but "WEAR" does not, saving you time and effort.
- Look for Double Meanings: Many crossword clues, especially shorter ones, rely on words with multiple meanings. If a direct synonym doesn't fit the current puzzle, explore other interpretations of the word to find a less obvious answer.
- Pattern Recognition: Over time, you'll notice certain words or types of clues reappear frequently in crosswords. "Duds" is a common one, so remembering its frequent answers (like CLOTHES or FLOPS) can provide a quick solution when you encounter it again.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common answers for "duds" in crosswords?
The most frequent answers for "duds" typically relate to clothing, such as CLOTHES, ATTIRE, WEAR, or GARB. However, don't forget its secondary meaning, which can lead to answers like FLOPS or FAILURES.
How do I know if "duds" means clothing or failures in a crossword?
The best way to discern the intended meaning is by looking at the number of letters required for the answer and the intersecting letters from other clues. The overall theme of the puzzle or the specific setter's style can also offer clues.
Are there any obscure meanings of "duds" used in crosswords?
While less common, "duds" can also refer to unexploded bombs or shells (a "dud" grenade). Crossword constructors might occasionally use this meaning, often with a specific qualifier in the clue to guide the solver.