knots crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate guide to solving the trickiest crossword clues! If you're pondering the clue "knots," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to untangle your puzzle.
Solutions for "knots crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
TIE: A common binding knot, often used for securing or joining, such as a shoelace tie.
5 Letters
HITCH: A type of knot used to secure a rope to another object, like a post or ring, often seen in boating or climbing.
6 Letters
SNARLS: Tangled masses, often referring to hair or thread, forming messy and sometimes difficult-to-undo knots.
7 Letters
TANGLES: Intertwined and knotted masses, similar to snarls, implying complexity or disorder, whether in ropes or situations.
GORDIAN: Relating to a legendary complex knot that was cut by Alexander the Great, often used metaphorically for an intricate or difficult problem that requires a decisive, often drastic, solution.
More About "knots crossword clue"
The clue "knots" can be a fascinating one in crosswords, often testing your ability to think beyond the literal. While it most commonly refers to physical configurations of rope, string, or hair, its usage can extend to metaphorical complexities. These can include 'knots' in a story plot, a 'knot' in one's stomach (a feeling of nervousness), or even the figurative 'tying the knot' to signify marriage.
Understanding the various contexts is key. Are you in a nautical-themed puzzle? Then answers like HITCH or BEND might be relevant. Is the clue hinting at a difficult situation? Then answers like IMPASSE or TANGLE might fit. Crossword constructors love to play on these dual meanings, making it crucial to consider the word's full semantic range.
Always pay attention to the letter count and any surrounding crossing letters, as they will often be the definitive factors in narrowing down the possibilities for "knots" to the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and related concepts: Think of words that mean to bind, entangle, secure, or even complicate. Terms like "ties," "snarls," "bends," or "problems" can be relevant.
- Look for context clues: Is there a theme to the puzzle? Are other clues related to sailing, climbing, or storytelling? This can heavily influence whether the "knot" is literal or metaphorical.
- Check common phrases: Crossword constructors often clue parts of idioms or common phrases. "Tying the knot," "Gordian knot," or "a knot in one's stomach" are examples where "knot" is part of a larger, well-known expression.
- Analyze the word length: The number of letters is your most concrete clue. Use it to eliminate possibilities and focus on answers that perfectly fit the grid.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of 'knots' encountered in crosswords?
Common answers for 'knots' often include literal terms like TIES, HITCHES, or TANGLES. Sometimes, it can refer to metaphorical 'knots' such as SNARLS (of hair), PLOT (complications), or even GORDIAN (referring to a complex problem).
How do I identify if 'knots' refers to physical or metaphorical tangles in a crossword clue?
The surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme can often provide context. Nautical or climbing terms might suggest a literal knot (e.g., REEF knot). Clues involving problems, complications, or dramatic structures would point to metaphorical meanings (e.g., 'story complications'). The number of letters in the answer can also guide you.
Are there common wordplay tricks for 'knots' in crosswords?
Yes, 'knots' can sometimes be clued phonetically (like 'nots' for negation) or by referring to homophones. It can also be part of a larger phrase (e.g., 'tying the knot'). Always consider synonyms or words related to entanglement, binding, or difficulty.