giving the cold shoulder crossword – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "giving the cold shoulder crossword"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack your puzzle and enhance your vocabulary.
Solutions for "giving the cold shoulder crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ALOOF: Distant or reserved in manner; unemotional, often implying a deliberate unfriendliness.
8 Letters
IGNORING: Refusing to take notice of or acknowledge; disregarding someone or something intentionally.
SHUNNING: Persistently avoiding, ignoring, or rejecting someone or something due to antipathy or caution.
9 Letters
ESCHEWING: Deliberately avoiding using; abstaining from; often implies a conscious choice to keep away from something.
More About "giving the cold shoulder crossword"
The idiom "giving the cold shoulder" has intriguing origins, dating back to the 19th century. It metaphorically describes an unwelcoming gesture where a cold piece of meat (the 'cold shoulder') was offered to an unwanted guest, in stark contrast to a warm, hospitable meal. In modern usage, it implies a deliberate act of unfriendliness or social exclusion, typically by ignoring, snubbing, or avoiding someone.
When this phrase appears in a crossword puzzle, the solution usually revolves around a word that encapsulates the act of purposeful avoidance or disinterest. Common answers include verbs like IGNORING, SNUBBING, or SHUNNING, or adjectives describing a state of being distant, like ALOOF. The key to solving such clues lies in understanding the core meaning of the idiom and then finding the perfect synonym that matches the required letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Idiom's Core: For idiomatic clues like "giving the cold shoulder," break down the phrase to its fundamental meaning. What specific action or state does it represent? Then, brainstorm direct synonyms for that core concept.
- Pay Attention to Word Length: This is arguably the most critical hint in any crossword. The exact number of letters provided will significantly narrow down your possibilities, especially when multiple synonyms exist.
- Consider Nuances and Context: While "cold shoulder" might seem straightforward, sometimes crosswords introduce subtle twists. Are there any secondary meanings or a specific context within the puzzle that might influence the answer?
- Leverage Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to guide your choices. This helps confirm potential answers and eliminates incorrect ones quickly.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters often use less common but perfectly valid synonyms. If the obvious answers don't fit, consider expanding your vocabulary with a thesaurus.
For more comprehensive advice and strategies to tackle various crossword challenges, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'giving the cold shoulder' mean in a crossword context?
'Giving the cold shoulder' is an idiom meaning to intentionally ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly, aloof manner. In crosswords, clues based on idioms often require an answer that is a direct synonym or describes the action of the idiom, such as 'IGNORING', 'SNUBBING', or 'SHUNNING'.
How can I find synonyms for idiomatic crossword clues?
To find synonyms for idiomatic clues, first understand the core meaning of the idiom. Then, think of single words or short phrases that convey that exact meaning. Using a thesaurus or an idiom dictionary can be very helpful. Always consider the required part of speech (e.g., verb, adjective) and letter count for the solution.
Are there common themes for 'cold' related crossword clues?
Yes, 'cold' can appear in many contexts in crosswords. Beyond 'cold shoulder', you might see clues like 'cold spell' (FREEZE), 'cold hard facts' (TRUTH), 'cold case' (UNSOLVED), or 'cold comfort' (POOR). Answers often relate to temperature, emotions (unfriendly, distant), or facts/reality without embellishment. Always consider the precise phrasing and context of the clue.