weasel crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "weasel crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "weasel crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Often used to describe the cunning or secretive nature associated with a weasel, making it a common figurative answer.
5 Letters
STOAT: A specific species of weasel, a common direct answer for the clue.
SNEAK: Describes the stealthy, quiet movement characteristic of a weasel, often used as a descriptive answer.
6 Letters
ERMINE: Refers to the stoat (a type of weasel) when it has its distinct white winter coat, highly valued for its fur.
FERRET: A domesticated form of the polecat, closely related to weasels, often used for hunting.
7 Letters
POLECAT: A European mustelid belonging to the same family as weasels, known for its strong musky odor.
More About "weasel crossword clue"
The term "weasel" frequently appears in crossword puzzles, not just as a direct animal clue but also for its associated traits and related species. Weasels are known for their slender bodies, agility, and predatory nature, often perceived as cunning or sly. This makes them versatile subjects for crossword setters, who might clue them based on their physical attributes, behavior, or even their figurative meanings.
Beyond the animal itself, crosswords leverage the weasel's reputation for stealth and cleverness. Answers like SLY or SNEAK directly reference these characteristics. Furthermore, the Mustelidae family, to which weasels belong, includes several related animals such as stoats, ermines, ferrets, and polecats, all of which are fair game for "weasel" clues, depending on the letter count and specific context.
Understanding these nuances can greatly improve your ability to solve clues related to "weasel," moving beyond just the literal interpretation to consider the broader linguistic and biological connections.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and related terms: For animal clues like "weasel," think about different species within the same family (e.g., stoat, ermine) or common nicknames.
- Look for descriptive adjectives: If the clue implies a trait, consider words that describe that trait (e.g., for weasel's cunning, think SLY, CRAFTY).
- Check letter counts carefully: Always match your potential answer's length with the number of blanks in the puzzle. This is your most reliable filter.
- Think about idioms: Sometimes, animal clues refer to well-known phrases or idioms (e.g., "weasel out" or "weasel words").
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'weasel' a common crossword clue?
Weasels are common in crosswords because they have multiple associated terms (stoat, ermine, ferret, polecat) and characteristics (sly, cunning, quick, elusive) that can be clued in various ways, offering a rich vocabulary for puzzle setters.
What's the difference between a weasel, stoat, and ermine?
A weasel is a general term for a small, carnivorous mammal in the family Mustelidae. A stoat is a specific species of weasel. An ermine is simply a stoat in its white winter coat, which it develops in colder climates.
Are there any idioms or phrases related to 'weasel' that appear in crossword clues?
Yes, common idioms include 'weasel out' (to avoid a responsibility or commitment) and 'weasel words' (words used to avoid giving a direct answer or commitment). These can frequently appear as parts of longer clues or answers.