pain in the neck crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "pain in the neck crossword," you've come to the right place. This page provides all the possible solutions, explanations, and helpful tips to conquer this tricky idiom.
Solutions for "pain in the neck crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NAG: Someone who constantly annoys or finds fault.
4 Letters
PEST: An annoying or troublesome person or thing.
BORE: A person or thing that is dull, tedious, or annoying.
DRAG: Something or someone that causes difficulty or is tedious.
8 Letters
NUISANCE: A person, thing, or circumstance causing annoyance or inconvenience.
IRRITANT: Something that causes irritation or annoyance.
More About "pain in the neck crossword"
The phrase "pain in the neck" is a very common idiom, and thus, a frequent visitor to crossword puzzles. When encountered in a crossword, it rarely refers to an actual physical ailment. Instead, it metaphorically points to something or someone that is incredibly annoying, bothersome, or a persistent source of trouble or frustration. Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they require solvers to think beyond the literal, delving into figurative language.
Answers for this clue often revolve around synonyms for annoyance, irritation, or an unwelcome burden. Shorter answers might include words like PEST, BORE, or NAG, while longer solutions could be NUISANCE or IRRITANT. The key to solving such clues is to recognize the idiomatic nature and then brainstorm words that fit the implied meaning, cross-referencing with the letter count and any already-filled intersecting letters.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Identify Idioms: Always be on the lookout for clues that use figurative language, like "pain in the neck." These often have non-literal answers related to their metaphorical meaning.
- Brainstorm Synonyms: Once you recognize an idiom, think of several words that capture its essence. For "pain in the neck," consider words for annoyance, trouble, or bothersome individuals.
- Leverage Letter Counts: Use the provided letter count as a crucial filter for your brainstormed synonyms. This quickly narrows down the possibilities and guides your selection.
- Utilize Intersections: Don't get bogged down by one difficult clue. Fill in easier intersecting words first; often, a few letters will reveal the answer to the tricky idiomatic clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "pain in the neck" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "pain in the neck" almost always refers to something or someone that is annoying, bothersome, or a persistent problem, rather than a literal physical ailment.
Why do crossword clues use idioms like "pain in the neck"?
Crossword constructors use idioms and figurative language to make clues more challenging and engaging, requiring solvers to think beyond the literal meaning and consider metaphorical interpretations.
Are there common answer lengths for "pain in the neck" clues?
Answers can vary widely depending on the specific synonym the constructor is looking for. Common lengths include 3, 4, 6, or 8 letters, encompassing words like NAG, PEST, BORE, DRAG, NUISANCE, or IRRITANT.