plugs crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues! If you're looking for answers to the clue "plugs," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "plugs crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ADS: Refers to advertisements or promotional mentions, a very common interpretation for 'plugs' in crosswords.
4 Letters
DAMS: As in, to stop the flow of something, often water, by building a barrier.
5 Letters
CORKS: Objects used to stop or seal openings, like in a bottle.
FILLS: Could refer to dental fillings or to stopping a hole with material.
STOPS: A general term for blocking or ceasing movement/flow.
7 Letters
INSERTS: The action of putting something into an opening, akin to plugging in a device.
8 Letters
PROMOTES: To publicly support or recommend a product, service, or idea, similar to 'plugging' something.
More About "plugs crossword clue"
"Plugs" is a wonderfully versatile clue in the world of crosswords, primarily because of its multiple distinct meanings in the English language. This ambiguity is what makes it both challenging and rewarding to solve. Often, it refers to a form of advertisement or promotion, as in 'plugging a new album' or 'getting a free plug on TV'. In this context, answers like ADS or PROMOTES are common.
However, "plugs" also frequently points to something that stops, fills, or blocks. Think of a 'drain plug', a 'spark plug' in an engine, or someone 'plugging a hole'. Here, answers like CORKS, STOPS, DAMS, or FILLS come into play. The key to deciphering which meaning the puzzle setter intends lies in the surrounding clues and the letter count. For instance, a four-letter answer leaning towards 'stopping' might point to DAMS, while a five-letter answer could be STOPS or CORKS.
Understanding these different facets of the word "plugs" is crucial for any avid crossword solver. It’s a great example of how context and the number of letters can drastically change the required answer, forcing you to think broadly about the clue's potential interpretations.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For words like "plugs" with multiple meanings, always list out all possible interpretations before committing to an answer. Think literally (physical plugs) and figuratively (promotions).
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most reliable hint. If you have "plugs" and it's a 3-letter answer, 'ADS' is highly probable. If it's 8 letters, 'PROMOTES' becomes a strong candidate.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. Use letters from intersecting answers to narrow down possibilities. If a letter you've filled makes sense for only one meaning of "plugs," you're likely on the right track.
- Think Synonyms: For each meaning of "plugs" you identify, brainstorm synonyms. For 'stops', think 'halts', 'blocks', 'dams'. For 'promotes', think 'advertises', 'pushes', 'sells'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common meanings of 'plugs' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'plugs' commonly refers to advertisements or promotional mentions (e.g., 'ADS', 'PROMOTES'), or physical objects/actions used to stop or block something (e.g., 'CORKS', 'STOPS', 'DAMS', 'FILLS'). It can also imply the action of inserting something (e.g., 'INSERTS').
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'plugs' when solving a crossword?
Context is key. Look at the word count requested for the answer, any intersecting letters you've already filled, and other words in the clue. For example, if the clue hints at media or products, think 'ADS' or 'PROMOTES'. If it's about sealing or stopping, consider 'CORKS' or 'STOPS'.
Are there any informal or less common interpretations of 'plugs' in puzzles?
Less common, but possible, interpretations might include 'FILLS' for dental work, or sometimes 'DAMS' in an environmental context. The variety of meanings makes 'plugs' a versatile and sometimes tricky crossword clue.