lean crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "lean crossword", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer for your puzzle.
Solutions for "lean crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DIP: To incline downwards, often temporarily, or to drop slightly. For example, a road might 'dip' sharply.
4 Letters
TILT: To cause to lean, slant, or tip. This can refer to a physical inclination or an abstract bias.
LIST: (Especially of a ship) to lean over to one side. This term is specific to a ship's leaning due to cargo or water.
TEND: To incline or be disposed to do something; to show a tendency or likelihood. This is a more figurative 'lean'.
5 Letters
SLANT: To lean or lie in an oblique direction; to have a bias or particular point of view. Can be literal or figurative.
7 Letters
INCLINE: To deviate from the horizontal or vertical; to be disposed or willing. A broader term for leaning or sloping.
RECLINE: To lean or lie back in a relaxed position. Often used for people resting on a chair or couch.
More About "lean crossword"
"Lean" is a versatile word in crosswords, offering a range of meanings that can challenge even experienced solvers. It can refer to a physical inclination, like a building that 'leans' or a ship that 'lists'. Understanding these subtle differences is key: a 'tilt' might be temporary or intentional, while a 'list' usually implies an unintended or dangerous lean for a vessel. Crossword constructors often play on these nuances.
Beyond the literal, "lean" also delves into figurative territory. It can suggest a tendency or preference, as in 'to lean towards a decision' (TEND). This requires solvers to think abstractly and consider the broader implications of the word. Sometimes, 'lean' might even refer to something being thin or lacking fat, leading to completely different sets of answers. Always consider the context and surrounding letters carefully.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: For words like "lean," think about its various definitions – physical, figurative, and even colloquial.
- Check word length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Eliminate answers that don't fit the space provided.
- Examine surrounding clues: Often, intersecting words will give you a letter or two, which can unlock a tricky clue like "lean."
- Look for indicators: Pay attention to words in the clue that might signal a specific type of answer, e.g., 'ship's' might point to LIST.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'lean' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'lean' in crosswords include TILT, SLANT, INCLINE, LIST, DIP, and TEND. The specific context of the clue will help you determine the best fit.
How can 'lean' be interpreted figuratively in a crossword clue?
Figuratively, 'lean' might suggest a tendency or bias, as in 'lean towards a decision' (TEND), or a skewed perspective (SLANT). It can also imply being thin or without fat, leading to answers like LANK or GAUNT.
What kind of wordplay might 'lean' involve in a crossword?
Beyond its literal meaning, 'lean' could be part of a pun or a phonetic clue. For example, 'lean on' might hint at RELY, or a clue about 'lean meat' could lead to answers related to lack of fat. Always consider both literal and abstract interpretations.