How do I approach a crossword clue with multiple possible interpretations like 'terse of course'?

Clues like 'terse of course' often combine two distinct ideas or play on words. 'Terse' points to brevity or conciseness, while 'of course' can mean 'naturally' or refer to a 'path/direction'. Try to find answers that fit one or both meanings, and consider the number of letters.

What are common synonyms for 'terse' in crosswords?

Common synonyms for 'terse' in crosswords include: SHORT, BRIEF, CURT, PITHY, CONCISE, and SUCCINCT. The specific answer will depend on the required letter count.

Can 'of course' imply a physical path or direction in a crossword clue?

Yes, 'of course' can be a clever way to hint at a 'course' in the sense of a path, route, or direction. Crossword setters often use homophones or double meanings to make clues more challenging and interesting. Always consider literal and figurative interpretations.

terse of course crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! You've landed on the perfect page to find solutions and explanations for the intriguing clue "terse of course crossword clue." We've compiled all the possible answers, categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "terse of course crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

CURT: Meaning rudely brief or terse, directly matching the first part of the clue.

5 Letters

SHORT: A common synonym for terse, implying concise or not lengthy.

ROUTE: A clever play on the "course" part of the clue, referring to a path or way.

8 Letters

SUCCINCT: A precise and often used synonym for terse, meaning expressed clearly and concisely.

More About "terse of course crossword clue"

The crossword clue "terse of course" is a fantastic example of how setters can combine two seemingly simple phrases to create a nuanced challenge. The term "terse" immediately directs solvers towards words signifying brevity, conciseness, or a lack of extraneous detail. Think of synonyms like short, brief, or succinct.

However, the inclusion of "of course" adds another layer. It can be interpreted in its common idiomatic sense, meaning 'naturally' or 'as expected,' or it can cleverly refer to 'course' as in a path, direction, or even a specific segment of a journey. This duality requires the solver to consider answers that might fit one interpretation more strongly than the other, or ideally, a word that subtly hints at both.

When encountering such clues, it's crucial to break them down and consider all possible meanings for each component word or phrase. The final answer often depends on the available letters and the overall theme of the puzzle, but understanding the potential double meanings is key to cracking these types of clues.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Deconstruct Multi-Part Clues: For clues like "terse of course," always break them into their individual components. Consider the primary meaning of each word ('terse' = brief) and then explore secondary or idiomatic meanings ('course' = path or naturally).
Consider Homophones and Puns: Crossword constructors love to use words that sound alike but have different meanings. "Course" is a prime candidate for this, potentially leading to answers related to golf courses, courses of action, or even 'coarse' (rough).
Match Letter Count Carefully: Once you have a few potential answers in mind, check them against the required letter count. This is often the quickest way to narrow down possibilities, especially when faced with multiple plausible synonyms for a single part of the clue.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'terse' typically imply in a crossword clue?

In crosswords, 'terse' almost always implies brevity, conciseness, or being to the point. Common answers include words like SHORT, BRIEF, CURT, or SUCCINCT.

How can 'of course' be misleading in a crossword clue?

'Of course' can be misleading by either being a direct phrase implying something natural or expected, or by separating into 'of' and 'course' where 'course' might refer to a path, a part of a meal, or even be a homophone for 'coarse' (rough texture). Always check the letter count and surrounding letters for hints.

Is it common for crossword clues to have double meanings?

Yes, absolutely! Double meanings, puns, and wordplay are fundamental elements of crossword clue construction. Expert solvers anticipate these twists, looking for literal, figurative, and even phonetic interpretations of words within a clue.