pick up crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "pick up crossword" and need a little help, you've come to the right place. This versatile phrase can have several meanings in a puzzle, from literal actions to figurative concepts. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and on your way to completing your puzzle.
Solutions for "pick up crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LIFT: To raise or elevate something from a lower to a higher position, a common literal meaning of "pick up."
5 Letters
GRASP: To take hold of something firmly, or to understand something completely, as in "pick up a concept."
6 Letters
RESUME: To begin again or continue after an interruption, often used when one "picks up" a task or activity.
7 Letters
COLLECT: To gather together a group of things or people, as in "pick up items" or "pick up data."
ACQUIRE: To obtain or get possession of something, often used in the context of "picking up" a new skill or habit.
More About "pick up crossword"
The phrase "pick up" is a classic example of a phrasal verb that can be a crossword setter's dream – and a solver's challenge! Its flexibility allows it to fit into numerous contexts, making it a powerful tool for creating clues with multiple possible answers. Understanding these nuances is crucial for deciphering its true meaning within a specific puzzle.
In crosswords, "pick up" might refer to physically lifting an object, collecting something (like mail or a package), understanding a new concept, learning a skill, or even resuming an activity after a break. Sometimes it can even relate to an improvement in health or fortune, as in "picking up" after an illness. Always consider the surrounding words in the clue and the number of letters provided to narrow down the possibilities.
This clue is a great workout for your vocabulary and your ability to think flexibly about word meanings. By exploring all potential interpretations, you're not just solving one clue; you're improving your overall crossword-solving acumen.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all senses of the verb: For words like "pick up," always brainstorm its various meanings – literal, figurative, idiomatic. This broad approach will often lead you to the correct answer.
- Check intersecting letters: If you're stuck, fill in any intersecting letters from other solved clues. These can provide vital hints about the length and specific letters of your target word, helping to eliminate incorrect possibilities.
- Think about context: Does the clue hint at a specific domain (e.g., travel, education, health)? The context can often point you towards the most relevant meaning of a multi-faceted word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "pick up" have so many different crossword answers?
The verb "pick up" is highly versatile in English, carrying multiple meanings depending on context. In crosswords, setters exploit this ambiguity to create challenging clues. Meanings can range from literal actions (to lift, to collect) to figurative ones (to understand, to learn, to resume a task, to recover health).
How can I tell which meaning of "pick up" is intended in a crossword clue?
Context is key. Look at the number of letters required for the answer, any surrounding words in the clue, and if it's a cryptic clue, identify any wordplay. For instance, if the clue hints at 'understanding,' 'GRASP' might be the answer; if it's about 'continuing,' 'RESUME' could fit. Practice with various clues featuring 'pick up' will sharpen your intuition.
Are there other common phrases similar to "pick up" that have multiple meanings in crosswords?
Absolutely! Many phrasal verbs and common words in English are polysemous (have multiple meanings) and are frequently used to create tricky crossword clues. Examples include 'SET UP,' 'TAKE DOWN,' 'TURN OVER,' and even simple words like 'LEAD' or 'FAIR.' Always consider all possible definitions of each word in a clue.