puts away crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "puts away crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations and categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "puts away crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EATS: To consume food, often quickly or heartily.
5 Letters
STOWS: To store something neatly and compactly, often in a specific place like a bag or compartment.
6 Letters
STORES: To keep or accumulate something for future use, often in a designated location like a warehouse or cupboard.
8 Letters
CONSUMES: To use up, absorb, or eat something, especially in large quantities or with a focus on its depletion.
More About "puts away crossword clue"
The phrase "puts away" is a classic example of a polysemous clue in the world of crosswords, meaning it has multiple distinct interpretations. This ambiguity is a common trick used by puzzle constructors to make the challenge more engaging. On one hand, "puts away" can refer to the act of storing or tidying items, such as putting clothes in a closet or books on a shelf. This interpretation leads to answers like STOWS or STORES.
However, "puts away" can also colloquially mean to consume something, particularly food or drink, often quickly or heartily. Think of phrases like "he really put away that entire pizza." This second, more informal meaning opens up a whole different set of answers, including EATS or CONSUMES. Understanding these dual meanings is crucial for successfully tackling such clues.
When encountering a clue like "puts away," always consider both the literal act of organizing and the idiomatic expression of consumption. The surrounding letters, the theme of the puzzle, and particularly the number of available slots will guide you to the correct solution among the various possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Always Consider Multiple Meanings: Many crossword clues, like "puts away," have more than one interpretation. Train yourself to think beyond the most obvious meaning and explore synonyms for all possible contexts.
- Check Letter Count First: Before anything else, match the clue to the number of available letters. This immediately narrows down your options and eliminates many potential answers.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by using intersecting words. If a word from another clue fits perfectly with the letters you're considering, you're likely on the right track.
- Pay Attention to Part of Speech: Is the clue a verb, a noun, an adjective? Your answer must match. If "puts away" is a verb phrase, your answer should also be a verb (e.g., EATS, STOWS).
- Familiarize Yourself with Crosswordese: Certain words appear frequently in crosswords due to their letter patterns or common double meanings. Learning these can give you a significant advantage.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'puts away' have so many different answers in crosswords?
The phrase 'puts away' is a classic example of a polysemous word or phrase in crosswords, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings. It can refer to storing something (like 'STORES' or 'STOWS') or consuming something (like 'EATS' or 'CONSUMES'). The puzzle setter intentionally uses such words to increase the puzzle's challenge, requiring solvers to consider context and letter count.
How can I determine the correct 'puts away' answer for my puzzle?
To find the correct answer, first, check the number of letters required for the slot. Then, look at surrounding clues – these can provide crucial context. For instance, if another clue points to something edible, 'EATS' or 'CONSUMES' might be more likely. If it's about tidying, 'STOWS' or 'STORES' would fit better. Cross-referencing with intersecting words is key.
Are there other common ambiguous crossword clues like 'puts away'?
Yes, many! Crossword constructors love ambiguity. Examples include clues related to 'banks' (river banks or financial institutions), 'leaves' (foliage or departures), 'rolls' (bread rolls or actions), or 'strikes' (hits or labor actions). Recognizing these common double meanings can significantly improve your solving speed.