swallows nyt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've landed on the definitive guide for the "swallows nyt crossword clue". Whether you're stuck on a tricky New York Times puzzle or just double-checking your work, we've got the most accurate and helpful solutions right here, complete with explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "swallows nyt crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EATS: A very common and direct synonym for 'swallows' when referring to the act of ingesting food.
DOWN: As in to 'down' a drink, meaning to swallow it quickly.
5 Letters
GULPS: To swallow something, especially food or drink, quickly or in large quantities.
BIRDS: A classic crossword misdirection! 'Swallows' are also a type of small, migratory songbird.
7 Letters
IMBIBES: A more formal way to say 'to drink' or 'to take in' something, often referring to liquids.
ABSORBS: To take in or soak up, which can apply to liquids or information, akin to swallowing.
8 Letters
CONSUMES: To eat, drink, or ingest (food or drink). A broader term for the act of swallowing.
More About "swallows nyt crossword clue"
The word "swallows" is a crossword setter's delight due to its dual nature: it can refer to the action of ingesting something (a verb) or to a type of bird (a noun). This ambiguity is frequently exploited in the New York Times crossword to create challenging yet fair clues. When encountering "swallows," always consider the letter count and intersecting words to determine which meaning is intended.
Often, if the clue is straightforward, it will refer to the action, leading to answers like EATS or GULPS. However, if the clue is a bit more cryptic or plays on a different context, the bird meaning (BIRDS) is a strong contender. The brilliance of the NYT crossword lies in its ability to take common words and give them new life through clever phrasing, making even simple words like "swallows" a source of enjoyable head-scratching.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Always consider the "double meaning": For clues like "swallows," immediately think about both its verb and noun forms. This is a very common crossword technique.
- Check intersecting letters first: If you're unsure which meaning of "swallows" applies, try to fill in surrounding words. The letters that cross the "swallows" answer will quickly reveal the correct solution.
- Pay attention to context: Sometimes the clue's wording, or even the theme of the entire puzzle, can hint at whether a literal or figurative meaning is required.
- Think about synonyms of synonyms: If the direct synonyms don't fit, think about what those synonyms might imply. For example, if 'eat' doesn't fit, think about other ways to describe eating.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the 'swallows' clue appear in NYT crosswords?
While there's no exact count, 'swallows' or similar verbs of ingestion, as well as the bird species, are fairly common in the NYT crossword due to their versatile meanings and potential for wordplay.
What are common trick answers for 'swallows'?
The most common trick is the dual meaning: 'swallows' as a verb (e.g., EATS, GULPS) versus 'swallows' as the noun referring to the bird species (e.g., BIRDS). Always consider if the clue is looking for an action or a creature.
What should I do if my first answer for 'swallows' doesn't fit?
If your initial thought doesn't fit the given letter count or doesn't align with intersecting words, consider alternative meanings. Check if it's a verb, a noun (like the bird), or even a slang term. Sometimes the context of the puzzle's theme or other clues can help clarify.