little spats crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

More About "little spats crossword clue"

"Little spats" is a classic crossword clue that often trips up solvers due to the dual meaning of the word "spat." While "spats" can refer to a type of footwear, in the context of "little spats," it almost always points to minor disagreements or quarrels. This common usage in puzzles relies on the less frequent, but still valid, definition of "spat" as a brief, petty argument.

Understanding this nuance is key to solving such clues. Crossword constructors love to play on words with multiple meanings, and "spat" is a prime example. The addition of "little" further emphasizes the minor nature of the conflict, guiding solvers away from the footwear and towards words like TIFFS, ROWS, or QUIBBLES, all of which convey a sense of small-scale contention.

Always consider the context and any accompanying adjectives when encountering polysemous words in clues. For "little spats," the focus should be on synonyms for minor disagreements, ensuring you select an answer that fits both the meaning and the required letter count of your puzzle.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

• Analyze Adjectives: Pay close attention to words like "little" in the clue. They often narrow down the meaning of a multi-faceted word, as seen with "spats" shifting from footwear to arguments.
• Consider Synonyms for Common Meanings: For clues like "little spats," think of all possible synonyms for "minor arguments" (e.g., quarrels, squabbles, tiffs, bickers). This broadens your mental dictionary for potential answers.
• Check Letter Count Early: Once you have a few potential answers in mind, immediately check if their letter count matches the blank spaces in your puzzle. This helps eliminate possibilities quickly and efficiently.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.