sleeping tablets at times crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "sleeping tablets at times crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. We provide accurate solutions and insightful explanations to help you complete your puzzle and improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "sleeping tablets at times crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NAPS: A short sleep, often a result of taking sleeping aids; 'at times' implies occasional occurrence.
5 Letters
PILLS: Sleeping tablets are a type of pills, often consumed 'at times' or as needed.
More About "sleeping tablets at times crossword clue"
The clue "sleeping tablets at times crossword clue" is a fantastic example of how crossword setters use subtle language to guide solvers. The phrase "at times" is crucial here, as it can indicate several things: an abbreviation of the main phrase, a partial or alternating set of letters, or a result that occurs intermittently. In this case, both "NAPS" (an effect of sleeping tablets) and "PILLS" (a category of sleeping tablets taken 'at times') are strong candidates.
Understanding such nuances is key to mastering crosswords. "Sleeping tablets" straightforwardly refers to medication that aids sleep. The "at times" element pushes solvers to think beyond simple synonyms, considering how these tablets are used or what their effects might be. This type of clue encourages lateral thinking, combining direct definition with clever wordplay or contextual inference.
When you encounter similar clues, always break them down. Identify the core subject ("sleeping tablets") and then analyze the modifier ("at times") to unlock its hidden meaning, which often relates to frequency, part of a whole, or a typical outcome.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Modifiers: Pay close attention to phrases like "at times," "sometimes," "often," or "occasionally." These can indicate an anagram, a partial word, an abbreviation, or a common effect that isn't constant.
- Consider Effects and Categories: For clues about specific items (like "sleeping tablets"), think not just of what they are, but what they do (induce sleep, cause naps) or what broader category they fall into (pills, drugs).
- Check Letter Counts: Always cross-reference your potential answers with the required letter count. This is your most reliable guide and can often narrow down possibilities dramatically.
- Think of Synonyms and Abbreviations: For the core noun or verb in the clue, brainstorm all possible synonyms. Also, consider common abbreviations or informal terms that might fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'at times' imply in a crossword clue?
'At times' in a crossword clue often suggests that the answer is a partial word, an abbreviation, an effect that occurs occasionally, or that the clue refers to a common characteristic that happens intermittently rather than constantly. It can also hint at selecting specific letters from a phrase, such as alternating ones.
Are all 'sleeping tablets' crossword answers related to medicine?
While many answers for 'sleeping tablets' clues will be direct synonyms for medication (like PILLS, DRUGS, BARBS), some clues, especially with modifiers like 'at times' or 'effect of', might point to the *result* of taking sleeping tablets, such as NAPS or DROWSINESS. It depends heavily on the specific wording and intended wordplay by the clue setter.
How can I figure out cryptic clues involving time or frequency?
For cryptic clues involving time or frequency (like 'at times,' 'often,' 'sometimes'), consider multiple interpretations: literal meanings (e.g., occasional events), hidden words or partial extractions from the clue phrase, or effects that manifest intermittently. Always check the letter count and think about synonyms or related concepts for the main subject of the clue.