eavesdrop crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "eavesdrop" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "eavesdrop crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SPY: To secretly observe or gather information, often without permission.
BUG: To secretly install a listening device or to listen secretly.
TAP: To secretly connect to a telephone line or other communication for purposes of listening.
5 Letters
SNOOP: To investigate or look around furtively in order to find out something private or secret.
7 Letters
MONITOR: To observe and check the progress or quality of something over a period of time, often secretly.
WIRETAP: To connect a device to a telephone or other circuit in order to secretly listen to or record conversations.
8 Letters
LISTENIN: To listen secretly to a private conversation.
OVERHEAR: To hear (someone or something) without the speaker's intention.
More About "eavesdrop crossword clue"
"Eavesdrop" refers to the act of secretly listening to a conversation. In crosswords, this clue often points to words that are direct synonyms for this action or words that describe a related behavior. Puzzles might use the clue in various forms, such as "Listen in secretly" or "Overhear," but the core meaning of clandestine listening remains.
The term itself comes from the architectural feature known as an "eavesdrop" or "eavesdrip," which was the ground on which water fell from the eaves of a house. Later, it referred to people who would stand under the eaves to listen to conversations inside. This historical context adds a subtle layer to the clue, though modern crossword setters typically focus on the verbal meaning.
When you encounter "eavesdrop" in a puzzle, consider how many letters are required. Common answers range from short, direct verbs like 'SPY' or 'BUG' to longer, more descriptive terms like 'LISTENIN' or 'OVERHEAR'. Thinking about these different lengths and contexts will help you pinpoint the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check the Letter Count: Always start by noting the exact number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options for "eavesdrop" significantly.
- Think of Synonyms & Actions: Brainstorm all words related to secret listening, overhearing, or spying. Don't just stick to exact synonyms; consider actions that imply eavesdropping.
- Use Intersecting Clues: The most powerful tool in crossword solving is using letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. Even one confirmed letter can unlock a stubborn "eavesdrop" answer.
- Consider Common Crosswordese: Some words are disproportionately common in crosswords. For "eavesdrop," words like LISTENIN or OVERHEAR are often favored due to their common usage in puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'eavesdrop' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'eavesdrop' clues typically point to words meaning to listen secretly or to overhear a conversation. It can also refer to the act of doing so or a related verb, always with the connotation of stealth or lack of permission.
Are there common synonyms for 'eavesdrop' used in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms often include words like LISTENIN, OVERHEAR, SNOOP, SPY, BUG, and TAP. The specific answer will depend on the letter count provided in the clue or the available spaces in your puzzle, and sometimes the nuance of the clue itself.
How do I figure out the length of an 'eavesdrop' answer?
The length is usually indicated in the crossword puzzle itself, often in parentheses next to the clue (e.g., "Eavesdrop (8)"). This numerical indication is crucial for narrowing down possible answers and selecting the correct one from multiple options provided on solution sites like ours.