red letter crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "red letter crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you moving forward in your puzzle.
Solutions for "red letter crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
SPECIAL: Refers to something distinctly better or more important than usual, a fitting synonym for a 'red letter' occasion.
HOLIDAY: Often, 'red letter days' on a calendar are public or religious holidays, making this a common answer.
8 Letters
EVENTFUL: Describes a period or day marked by many significant events, perfectly aligning with the concept of a 'red letter' day.
9 Letters
MEMORABLE: Something that is easily remembered because it is special or unusual, a direct meaning of a 'red letter' event.
11 Letters
SIGNIFICANT: Denoting something important or noteworthy, which is the core meaning of 'red letter' when referring to a day or event.
More About "red letter crossword clue"
The phrase "red letter day" has a rich history, originating from the practice in early Christian calendars and liturgical books where feast days and saints' days were marked in red ink to distinguish them from ordinary days. These days were significant religious occasions, often celebrated with special services and festivities. Over time, the term evolved from its purely ecclesiastical context to describe any day of great personal or public importance, joy, or commemoration.
Today, a "red letter day" signifies a memorable or auspicious occasion, a day that stands out from the rest. When this phrase appears in a crossword clue, the answers typically revolve around synonyms for importance, celebration, distinctiveness, or specific types of significant days like holidays or anniversaries. Understanding this historical context can often provide the necessary insight to crack even the trickiest related clues.
Crossword setters frequently use the dual meaning – both the historical calendar reference and the modern connotation of importance – to craft clues that require a nuanced understanding of the idiom. Therefore, considering both literal (calendar/holiday) and figurative (important/memorable) interpretations is key to solving these types of puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For clues like "red letter," think about words that mean "important," "special," "memorable," or "significant."
- Context is Key: Is the clue implying a date on a calendar (e.g., HOLIDAY), or a more general sense of importance (e.g., SPECIAL, MEMORABLE)?
- Check Letter Count: Always match your potential answer's length with the number of blanks provided in the puzzle. This is the fastest way to eliminate incorrect words.
- Look for Common Crossword Patterns: Often, crossword answers for common phrases will be popular words that fit various lengths. Practice recognizing these.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'red letter' mean in a crossword context?
'Red letter' typically refers to something important, significant, or memorable. It comes from the practice of marking important days (like holidays or feast days) in red ink on calendars and church liturgical books. In crosswords, clues like 'red letter day' or 'red letter occasion' prompt answers related to importance, celebration, or distinctiveness.
How can I easily find the correct 'red letter' answer if I have some letters?
If you have some letters, focus on words that fit the given length and the core meaning of 'important' or 'special'. Consider synonyms like IMPORTANT, MEMORABLE, SPECIAL, HOLIDAY, or EVENTFUL. Use the known letters to narrow down possibilities, and try plugging in common crossword answer patterns related to 'significant' events.
Are 'red letter' clues always about holidays?
While 'red letter days' often refer to holidays or feast days (which were historically marked in red on calendars), the term has broadened to mean any day or event that is particularly important, joyful, or memorable. So, the answer isn't always a holiday; it could be any word signifying importance or commemoration, depending on the specific nuance of the clue.