rat crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on "rat crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.
Solutions for "rat crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SPY: An informer; someone who secretly gathers information or betrays trust, a common crossword meaning for "rat".
4 Letters
FINK: Slang for an informer or a contemptible person; to "fink out" is to betray, often used as an answer for "rat".
PEST: An annoying person or thing; a destructive insect or animal, which a rat certainly is, making it a fitting crossword answer.
6 Letters
RODENT: A broad category of mammals including rats, mice, and squirrels, serving as a direct biological classification for a rat, common in crosswords.
7 Letters
TRAITOR: A person who betrays a country, group, or person; aligning with the meaning of "rat" as a betrayer or informer, a frequent crossword solution.
More About "rat crossword clue"
The clue "rat" in a crossword puzzle can be surprisingly versatile, leading to several different answers depending on the context and the number of letters. Beyond its literal meaning as a common rodent, "rat" frequently appears as a synonym for an informer, a betrayer, or a contemptible individual. Understanding these nuances is key to cracking the puzzle.
Crossword constructors love to play on words, and "rat" is a prime example. Clues might hint at its various definitions, from the scientific (a type of rodent) to the colloquial (to "rat out" a friend). By considering all possible interpretations, you significantly increase your chances of finding the correct word that fits the grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always think about all possible definitions of a word, not just the most obvious one. For "rat," think about the animal, the verb (to inform), and the derogatory term for a person.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Use it to narrow down potential answers that fit the grid.
- Look for Context Clues: Other words in the clue, or solved letters in the puzzle, can provide vital context. Is the clue hinting at an animal, a criminal act, or a character trait?
- Brainstorm Synonyms: Once you identify a potential meaning (e.g., "informer" for "rat"), brainstorm all possible synonyms for that meaning and see which fit the letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of "rat" in crosswords?
In crosswords, "rat" most commonly refers to the rodent, an informer or betrayer (e.g., to "rat someone out"), or a contemptible person. The clue's context will usually indicate which meaning is intended.
How do I find answers for "rat" clues with specific letter counts?
Consider all common meanings of "rat" (rodent, betrayer, despicable person) and brainstorm synonyms for each. Then, check our page or a crossword solver to filter these potential answers by the specific letter length required by your puzzle.
Are there any common phrases related to "rat" that appear in crosswords?
Yes, phrases such as "rat race" (a fiercely competitive struggle), "smell a rat" (suspect something is wrong), "rat out" (inform on someone), or even "like a drowned rat" (looking miserable and soaked) can appear. The clue might hint at one of these common idioms rather than just the single word meaning of "rat" itself.