old saws crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "old saws crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all the likely answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "old saws crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ADAGES: Common sayings that convey a general truth or piece of advice, often passed down through generations.
MAXIMS: Short, pithy statements expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
7 Letters
SAYINGS: Well-known phrases or proverbs that express a general truth or observation.
TRUISMS: Self-evident truths; statements that are obviously true and require no proof, often seen as old or worn out.
8 Letters
PROVERBS: Short, popular sayings stating a general truth or piece of advice, derived from common experience.
9 Letters
APHORISMS: Pithy observations that contain a general truth, similar to maxims and proverbs.
More About "old saws crossword clue"
"Old saws" is a classic crossword clue that often trips up solvers due to its dual meaning. While "saws" can literally refer to cutting tools, in the context of "old saws," it almost always means proverbs, adages, or maxims – those time-honored sayings that convey a general truth or piece of wisdom. These are phrases that have been "sawn" or repeated so often they've become ingrained in language and culture.
The clue plays on this idiomatic use, challenging you to look beyond the literal. Understanding this common crossword trick is key to solving many puzzles. Recognizing that "old" combined with "saws" hints at ancient wisdom rather than rusty tools will significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy for such entries.
Many crossword setters love to use such clever wordplay. By mastering these types of idiomatic clues, you'll find yourself breezing through puzzles that once seemed impossible. Always consider both the literal and figurative meanings of a clue, especially when a common word is paired with an adjective like "old."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the surrounding clues and the letters you've already filled in. The length of the answer is your first big hint.
- Think Figuratively: For clues that seem deceptively simple or overly literal (like "old saws"), consider their idiomatic or metaphorical meanings.
- Common Synonyms: For abstract concepts or common phrases, brainstorm synonyms. For "old saws," think of words like adages, maxims, proverbs, and truisms.
- Pattern Recognition: Crossword constructors often reuse similar clue types. Once you learn that "old saws" means proverbs, you'll spot it quicker next time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "old saws" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "old saws" almost always refers to ancient proverbs, maxims, or adages – traditional sayings that offer wisdom or general truths. It's a common idiom often used to trick solvers into thinking of literal cutting tools.
How do I find answers for common phrase clues like "old saws"?
For common phrase clues, consider idiomatic meanings. If a clue seems too literal, think about its metaphorical or common figurative use. Also, check the number of letters needed and brainstorm synonyms for the implied meaning (e.g., for "old saws," think synonyms for proverbs or sayings).
Are there other meanings for "saws" in crosswords?
While "saws" most often means proverbs in "old saws," it can also literally refer to tools used for cutting wood (like a carpenter's saw). Context, especially the other words in the clue or surrounding letters in the grid, will help you determine the correct interpretation.