handful crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find the most comprehensive and accurate solutions for the crossword clue "handful". Whether you're stuck or just looking to verify, we've got you covered with answers sorted by letter count and helpful explanations.
Solutions for "handful crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FEW: Refers to a small number of something, often implying an insufficient or limited quantity.
5 Letters
SCANT: Means barely sufficient or adequate, often implying a deficiency.
6 Letters
DOLLOP: A blob or small amount of something soft, often food, like a dollop of cream.
7 Letters
SMIDGEN: A very small amount, often used informally, as in 'just a smidgen of sugar'.
8 Letters
PITTANCE: A very small or inadequate amount of money paid to someone, implying a 'handful' of earnings.
SPOONFUL: The amount that a spoon can hold, representing a small, measurable quantity that fits in a hand.
11 Letters
SMALLAMOUNT: A general term for a minor quantity or portion, directly synonymous with a 'handful'.
More About "handful crossword clue"
"Handful" is a versatile clue in crosswords, often pointing to answers related to quantity or manageability. When it refers to quantity, it implies a small, often informal, amount of something. This can range from concrete items like a 'handful of nuts' to abstract concepts like a 'handful of chances'. The specific context of the puzzle and any intersecting letters are crucial for discerning the correct interpretation.
Beyond quantity, "handful" can also describe something or someone that is difficult to control or manage, as in 'that child is a handful'. In such cases, answers might lean towards words like 'trouble', 'challenge', or 'nuisance'. Always consider both common meanings when encountering this clue, and pay close attention to the word count and any given letters to guide your choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Does "handful" imply a small quantity (e.g., FEW, SMIDGEN) or something difficult to manage (less common but possible, requiring contextual analysis)?
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer's length with the required number of letters for the solution. This is often the quickest way to narrow down options.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The letters from crossing answers are invaluable. They can confirm your suspicions or eliminate incorrect guesses, especially when multiple answers for "handful" have similar lengths.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Crosswords often recycle certain words or their common synonyms. Familiarize yourself with typical vocabulary used for quantity or difficulty clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'handful' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'handful' typically points to answers meaning a small or limited quantity, a small number of people, or something difficult to manage. The specific context of the surrounding letters often helps narrow down the exact meaning.
Are there common synonyms for 'handful' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms include 'few', 'some', 'scant', 'modicum', 'smidgen', 'dollop', or words denoting a small collection or quantity. The clue might also imply something challenging, leading to answers like 'problem' or 'challenge'.
How can I distinguish between similar answers for 'handful'?
The number of letters is your first guide. Then, consider any crossing letters you've already filled in. The specific nuance of the clue (e.g., 'a handful of trouble' vs. 'a handful of berries') can also suggest whether the answer relates to difficulty or quantity.