free to crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "free to" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you complete your grid.
Solutions for "free to crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
UNTIE: To free someone or something from being tied or fastened.
CLEAR: To free from obstruction, or to get rid of something unwanted.
7 Letters
RELEASE: To allow to leave, or to set free from confinement, restraint, or obligation.
8 Letters
LIBERATE: To set (someone or something) free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression.
More About "free to crossword clue"
The clue "free to" is a versatile one in the world of crosswords, often pointing towards a verb that denotes liberation or removal of restraint. Its meaning can range from physical actions, such as untying a knot or opening a cage, to more abstract concepts like absolving someone of blame or freeing them from a duty. The context of the surrounding words in the puzzle is crucial for determining the exact fit.
Common answers like UNTIE, CLEAR, and RELEASE highlight this versatility. UNTIE focuses on physical bonds, CLEAR on obstructions or guilt, and RELEASE on letting go from confinement or obligation. Crossword setters frequently use such common phrases to test a solver's vocabulary breadth and ability to discern nuances in meaning.
When you encounter "free to," consider if the answer should describe a permanent state of freedom or a temporary action. Also, pay attention to tenses – is it "free to" (present action or infinitive) or "freed" (past tense)? This can significantly narrow down your options and lead you to the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "free to," think beyond the literal. Does it imply physical freedom, freedom from responsibility, or freedom from obstruction? Each nuance points to different synonyms.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the single most effective way to confirm or eliminate potential answers, especially when multiple words fit the initial clue.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is the answer likely a verb (like 'release'), an adjective ('loose'), or a noun ('freedom')? "Free to" strongly suggests a verb, but always double-check the grammar within the clue.
- Look for Common Crossword Themes: Crossword puzzles often reuse common themes or wordplay. "Free" is a popular concept, so familiar answers will frequently reappear.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "free to" typically imply in crosswords?
In crosswords, "free to" clues often indicate a verb meaning to liberate, unbind, or remove restrictions from something or someone. It can suggest a physical action like untying a knot or a more abstract concept like freeing from obligation or blame.
Are there common synonyms for "free to" that appear in clues?
Yes, common synonyms that might appear as answers or parts of clues include 'release,' 'untie,' 'liberate,' 'clear,' 'unfetter,' 'extricate,' and 'discharge.' The specific synonym depends on the context and letter count.
How do I narrow down answers for 'free to' clues?
To narrow down answers, first consider the letter count. Then, look for surrounding words or other clues that might provide context – is it about a person, an object, a feeling, or a legal situation? Also, think about common crossword tropes; 'free' can often lead to 'untie' or 'release' in simpler puzzles.