three sheets to the wind nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the clue "three sheets to the wind" from the NYT crossword or any other puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most likely solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "three sheets to the wind nyt crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DRUNK: A very common and direct synonym for being heavily intoxicated or under the influence.
BOOZY: An informal term describing someone who is somewhat or quite intoxicated, or something associated with alcohol.
6 Letters
SOTTEN: An older or more literary term for someone habitually drunk or deeply immersed in drink.
8 Letters
HAMMERED: A widely used colloquialism indicating a state of extreme intoxication.
11 Letters
INTOXICATED: A more formal and precise term for someone affected by alcohol or drugs to the point of impaired physical and mental control.
More About "three sheets to the wind nyt crossword"
The idiom "three sheets to the wind" vividly describes a state of severe intoxication, often accompanied by unsteadiness or erratic behavior. Its origins lie in nautical terminology: 'sheets' are ropes used to control the angle of a ship's sails. If the sheets become loose or unfastened, especially three of them, the sails flap uncontrolled, causing the ship to sway dangerously and lose its steady course. This instability perfectly mirrors the wobbly, disoriented state of a very drunk person.
This evocative phrase has been part of the English language for centuries and is a favorite among crossword constructors due to its vivid imagery and straightforward meaning. Depending on the puzzle's difficulty and available letter count, answers can range from short, common synonyms like DRUNK or BOOZY to longer, more formal terms such as INTOXICATED, or even modern slang like HAMMERED. Understanding the idiom's origin can often provide a mental shortcut to its meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Understand the Idiom's Origin: For clues like "three sheets to the wind," knowing the nautical origin can help you connect it to concepts of instability or being out of control, which are core to its meaning of intoxication.
- Consider Multiple Synonyms: The English language is rich with words for 'drunk.' Always be prepared for various options, from formal to slang, and different letter counts. Think of common synonyms that fit the specific number of letters you need.
- Use Intersecting Letters: When a clue like this seems tricky, focus on the intersecting words. Filling in a few letters from perpendicular answers can often reveal enough of the solution to make the "three sheets to the wind" clue solvable.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "three sheets to the wind" mean?
It's an idiom meaning someone is very drunk, unsteady, or behaving erratically. The phrase originates from sailing, where 'sheets' are ropes that control the sails. If they are loose or 'to the wind', the sails flap wildly, causing the ship to lose control and sway, much like an intoxicated person.
Why is "DRUNK" a common crossword answer for this clue?
"DRUNK" is a concise and widely understood synonym for the state described by "three sheets to the wind." Its short length and common usage make it a frequent and direct answer in many crossword puzzles, especially for standard and easy difficulties.
How can I identify nautical-themed idioms in crosswords?
Look for clues that explicitly use terms like "sheet," "wind," "mast," "sail," "ship," "starboard," or phrases that imply instability, movement, or conditions related to the sea. Familiarity with common nautical terms and idioms will significantly help in solving such clues.