hair of the dog crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the tricky clue "hair of the dog crossword," you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common answers and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "hair of the dog crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
REMEDY: A general solution or cure for a problem or ailment, often used metaphorically for a hangover cure.
BRACER: Something invigorating, often an alcoholic drink, taken to provide a boost or alleviate the effects of a hangover.
8 Letters
ANTIDOTE: A medicine or other remedy for counteracting the effects of a poison, or by extension, something that counteracts an unwelcome feeling or situation like a hangover.
4 Letters
CURE: A general term for a remedy or a process that resolves a problem or illness, fitting for a 'hair of the dog' solution.
More About "hair of the dog crossword"
The phrase "hair of the dog that bit you" is an old English saying that refers to an ancient folk remedy for a bite from a rabid dog. It suggested that placing some of the dog's hair on the wound would prevent rabies. Over time, the phrase evolved, and by the 18th century, it was commonly applied to drinking alcohol to alleviate a hangover caused by previous alcohol consumption. In this context, the "hair of the dog" is a small amount of the same type of alcohol that contributed to the hangover, consumed with the intent of curing or easing the symptoms.
Crossword constructors often use idiomatic expressions like "hair of the dog" to add layers of meaning and challenge to their puzzles. These clues require solvers to think beyond the literal definition and delve into common phrases or cultural references. Understanding such idioms is key to unlocking many crossword solutions.
When you encounter this clue, think about both the literal (though outdated) meaning and its more common metaphorical application as a hangover remedy. The length of the answer will often guide you to whether the constructor is looking for a general term like 'REMEDY' or a more specific one like 'BRACER' or 'ANTIDOTE' that conveys the essence of the "cure" aspect of the idiom.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Type: Is it a straightforward definition, a pun, an anagram, or an idiom? Idiomatic clues like "hair of the dog" often require a conceptual understanding rather than a direct synonym.
- Consider Letter Count Carefully: The number of boxes is your strongest hint. If you have an idiom, think of several possible answers with varying lengths to see what fits.
- Think Broadly and Figuratively: For idiomatic clues, consider all the possible meanings and associated concepts. "Hair of the dog" can mean a remedy, a cure, or even something invigorating.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These can help confirm a suspect answer or rule out others that don't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hair of the dog' mean in a crossword context?
In a crossword context, 'hair of the dog' refers to a traditional, albeit often debated, cure for a hangover. It implies consuming a small amount of the alcohol that caused the hangover to alleviate symptoms, or generally, any remedy for a self-induced ailment.
Are there common alternative phrases for 'hair of the dog' that might appear in crosswords?
While 'hair of the dog' is quite specific, clues for similar concepts might include phrases related to hangover remedies, pick-me-ups, or antidotes. Common answers might range from general terms like CURE or REMEDY to more specific ones like BRACER or even NIP.
How can I identify if a 'hair of the dog' clue is looking for a specific type of answer?
The length of the answer boxes is your primary hint. Also, consider the puzzle's theme or difficulty. Easier puzzles might look for a general synonym like CURE, while more challenging ones might seek a more nuanced term like BRACER or even a less common synonym for a hangover remedy.