pain in the neck crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "pain in the neck," you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions and helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "pain in the neck crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PEST: An annoying person or thing, often used informally to describe someone who is a 'pain in the neck'.
6 Letters
HASSLE: A difficult or troublesome situation, which can be described as a 'pain in the neck' to deal with.
8 Letters
NUISANCE: Something or someone that is annoying or causes trouble, fitting the idiom 'pain in the neck'.
9 Letters
ANNOYANCE: The state or feeling of being annoyed, or a thing that causes this feeling, directly relating to the 'pain in the neck' idiom.
More About "pain in the neck crossword clue"
The phrase "pain in the neck" is a common English idiom used to describe something or someone that is bothersome, irritating, or difficult to deal with. In crosswords, clues based on idioms require you to think figuratively rather than literally. You're not looking for a medical condition, but rather a word that encapsulates the essence of annoyance or difficulty.
Crossword constructors love using idiomatic expressions because they can be cleverly disguised. Recognizing that a clue is an idiom is the first step to finding the solution. For "pain in the neck," the answers usually revolve around words like 'nuisance', 'hassle', or 'pest', all of which convey a sense of irritation or trouble without being explicit.
Paying attention to the number of letters in the answer slot is crucial for these types of clues, as multiple words can fit the general meaning. Our goal is to provide you with all possible answers, so you can quickly match them to your puzzle's grid and complete your crossword challenge with ease.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Identify Idioms: Whenever a clue sounds like a common phrase or saying, especially one that doesn't make literal sense in context, suspect it's an idiom.
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For idiomatic clues like "pain in the neck," think of synonyms for the underlying meaning (e.g., for "pain in the neck," think of words for 'annoyance', 'trouble', 'irritation').
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer slot is your most powerful hint. Use it to filter out possible answers that don't fit the length.
- Use Intersecting Words: Don't hesitate to fill in answers from intersecting clues first. These letters can reveal parts of the word you're stuck on, making it easier to solve.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'pain in the neck' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'pain in the neck' almost always refers to something or someone that is annoying, bothersome, or a source of trouble, rather than a literal physical ailment. It's an idiomatic expression.
How can I find idiomatic answers like 'pain in the neck' more easily?
To solve clues based on idioms, think of synonyms or closely related words for the core concept of the idiom. For 'pain in the neck', consider words for annoyance, trouble, or irritants. Also, pay close attention to the number of letters required by the grid.
Are there other common 'pain' related crossword clues?
Yes, other common 'pain' related clues often refer to a 'pain in the side' (THORN), a 'painful cry' (MOAN or GROAN), or even general feelings like 'ache' or 'hurt'. Always consider the context and letter count.