saying crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "saying crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "saying crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAW: An old saying, often expressing a common truth or piece of folk wisdom.
5 Letters
ADAGE: A short, pointed, and memorable saying, often considered a popular truth that has gained credit through long use.
MAXIM: A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct, often used as a guiding principle.
6 Letters
DICTUM: A short statement that expresses a general truth or principle, often one that has become an authoritative pronouncement.
7 Letters
PROVERB: A short, popular saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice, usually based on common sense or practical experience.
8 Letters
APHORISM: A concise observation that contains a general truth, often attributed to a specific person, known for its wit and brevity.
More About "saying crossword clue"
The clue "saying" in a crossword puzzle typically refers to a short, pithy expression that conveys a general truth, observation, or piece of advice. These linguistic nuggets have been a part of human communication for centuries, often embodying cultural wisdom, moral lessons, or common experiences.
From the ancient wisdom of proverbs passed down through generations to the sharp, witty aphorisms coined by historical figures, sayings encapsulate complex ideas into easily digestible forms. They serve various purposes: to teach, to advise, to warn, or simply to reflect on life's realities. Understanding the subtle differences between terms like 'adage,' 'maxim,' 'proverb,' and 'aphorism' can be key to unlocking tricky crossword clues.
Crossword setters love using "saying" because it opens up a wide range of vocabulary options across different lengths, challenging solvers to recall specific terms that fit the grid. Recognizing the context or tone implied by the clue can often lead you to the correct answer, whether it's an old, widely known truth or a more philosophical declaration.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Pay attention to any other words in the clue. Is it an "old saying," suggesting 'SAW' or 'ADAGE'? Or "pithy saying," leaning towards 'MAXIM' or 'APHORISM'?
- Consider Letter Count First: If you have some letters already filled in or know the length, eliminate options that don't fit immediately. This is often the quickest way to narrow down choices for "saying."
- Think Broadly and Specifically: Start by brainstorming general synonyms for 'saying', then try to recall more specific terms like 'PROVERB', 'DICTUM', or 'APHORISM' which might be less common but often appear in puzzles.
- Check Cross-References: Sometimes, another clue in the puzzle might hint at a similar concept or provide a letter that helps confirm one of the "saying" answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a proverb and an aphorism?
While both are concise expressions of truth, proverbs are typically anonymous, traditional sayings passed down through generations, often reflecting folk wisdom. Aphorisms, on the other hand, are usually attributed to a specific author and often convey a more philosophical or witty observation.
How can I identify a 'saying' in a crossword puzzle?
Clues for 'saying' often involve words like 'old saw,' 'wise words,' 'maxim,' 'adage,' 'dictum,' or 'proverb.' Sometimes, the clue might hint at the origin, such as 'Confucius's saying' or 'ancient wisdom.' Consider the letter count and common synonyms that fit the available spaces.
Are there different types of sayings?
Yes, sayings come in various forms, including proverbs (traditional, moral wisdom), aphorisms (concise, witty observations, often by a known author), maxims (rules of conduct), adages (long-established truths), and epigrams (short, satirical statements). Each has subtle differences in nuance and origin.