up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving those tricky crossword puzzles! If you're stuck on the clue "up crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "up crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
ON: As in 'up and running' or 'turned on'.
4 Letters
HIGH: Elevated, as in 'up high'.
OVER: Indicating completion, as in 'time is up' or 'game over'.
RISE: To move upward, or an increase.
5 Letters
ERECT: Standing upright, or built in a vertical position.
AWAKE: Not sleeping, conscious and alert, often 'up and about'.
RISEN: The past participle of 'rise', meaning having gone up.
More About "up crossword clue"
"Up" is a deceptively simple word that holds a myriad of meanings, making it a favorite for crossword constructors looking to challenge solvers. Depending on the context, "up" can refer to physical elevation, a state of being, an increase, or even the completion of an action. For instance, 'up' might hint at an answer like ERECT for something standing tall, or AWAKE if referring to someone no longer sleeping.
Beyond its literal interpretations, "up" frequently appears in phrasal verbs or idiomatic expressions. Think about 'time is UP', which suggests OVER, or a device being 'ON' when it's 'up and running'. Crossword setters skillfully leverage these nuances, often requiring you to think beyond the most obvious definition and consider the broader implications of the word within the puzzle's theme or other surrounding clues.
Mastering clues like "up" involves understanding its diverse applications. Pay attention to the number of letters required and how it fits with existing letters in the grid. This multi-faceted nature of "up" is what makes it both a frustrating and rewarding clue to solve, often revealing clever wordplay once the solution clicks into place.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Many clues involving common words like "up" are part of phrasal verbs. For "up", think of phrases like "look up", "give up", "make up", etc., and see if the answer fits the context.
- Think of Opposites: Sometimes, knowing the opposite of "up" (down) can help you brainstorm related concepts or words that are antonyms, which can sometimes lead to the correct answer through a different line of thought.
- Check Surrounding Clues: The theme or other solved clues in the puzzle might offer a hint towards the specific meaning of "up" the constructor intended. Look for common threads or categories.
- Vary Your Interpretations: Don't get stuck on one meaning. "Up" can mean 'erect', 'awake', 'over', 'on', 'increase', or even a direction. Keep a mental list of these possibilities when stuck.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'up' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'up' can be a versatile clue. It often refers to direction (e.g., 'elevated', 'ascend'), a state of being (e.g., 'awake', 'active'), completion (e.g., 'over', 'finished'), or even increasing a quantity (e.g., 'raise'). Context is key to determining the exact meaning.
Are there common tricks related to 'up' clues?
Yes, look out for 'up' used in phrases like 'up to no good' or 'up against the wall' where 'up' might imply 'on' or 'against'. It can also signify a reversal in a cryptic clue, meaning you need to read a word backwards.
How can I find answers when 'up' is used ambiguously?
When 'up' is ambiguous, first consider the letter count and any already filled letters. Try common synonyms for its various meanings like 'on', 'erect', 'awake', 'over', 'high', or 'rise'. Also, consider if it's part of a phrasal verb or idiom. Checking surrounding clues can often provide hints.