handles crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "handles crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.
Solutions for "handles crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
GRIPS: To take and hold firmly, often implying control or action.
DEALS: To take action or manage a situation, often in business or negotiation contexts.
6 Letters
COPING: Successfully managing or dealing with a difficult situation or task.
7 Letters
MANAGES: To be in charge of or control; to succeed in doing or achieving something.
8 Letters
OPERATES: To control the functioning of a machine, process, or system.
CONTROLS: To determine the behavior or supervise the running of, often with a sense of authority.
More About "handles crossword"
The clue "handles" in a crossword puzzle typically refers to the verb meaning to manage, operate, or deal with something. It's a versatile word that can have several synonyms depending on the specific context of the puzzle. Clues involving 'handles' often test your ability to think of various ways a person or machine can interact with or take charge of a situation or object.
Understanding the nuances of 'handles' is key. For example, 'handles a crisis' suggests 'manages' or 'copes with,' while 'handles a machine' might imply 'operates' or 'controls.' Crossword constructors love these types of verbs because they allow for a wide range of fitting answers, making it a good test of your vocabulary and contextual reasoning.
When you encounter 'handles,' always consider the letter count first, then brainstorm common synonyms that fit that length. Thinking about whether the clue implies physical handling or more abstract management can also guide you to the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of squares available for your answer. This is the single most important constraint in any crossword.
- Consider Synonyms and Context: For clues like "handles," think broadly about all possible synonyms (manage, operate, deal, cope, grasp). Then, consider the puzzle's theme or other solved words that might hint at the specific context.
- Look for Plurals or Tenses: Be mindful if the clue or grid suggests a plural form (e.g., 'handles' vs. 'handle') or a specific verb tense (e.g., 'handling' vs. 'handled').
- Use Cross-References: If you're stuck, look at the intersecting clues. Solving even one letter from a crossing word can provide the crucial hint you need to unlock "handles."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'handles crossword' mean as a clue?
In a crossword, 'handles' typically means to manage, operate, control, deal with, or physically grasp something. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and how it fits the puzzle's theme or other crossing words.
How can I figure out the letter count for 'handles crossword'?
The letter count is determined by the specific grid slots available in your crossword puzzle. You'll see a row or column of empty squares, and the number of squares will tell you exactly how many letters your answer needs to have.
Are there common synonyms for 'handles' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include GRIPS, DEALS, MANAGES, OPERATES, CONTROLS, and COPING. Sometimes clues can be trickier, referring to literal handles (like on a cup) in a different context, but 'handles' as a verb is very common.