picks up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the clue "picks up", you've come to the right place. This common crossword phrase can have multiple meanings, leading to a variety of solutions. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with brief explanations to help you understand the context.
Solutions for "picks up crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GETS: Acquires or fetches something, often casually.
5 Letters
GAINS: Acquires or obtains, often something beneficial like strength or speed.
HEARS: Perceives sound, often unexpectedly or from a distance (as in picking up a signal).
LIFTS: Physically elevates or raises something.
FINDS: Discovers or locates something, often after a search.
6 Letters
LEARNS: Acquires knowledge or a skill, as in 'picking up a new language'.
7 Letters
NOTICES: Becomes aware of or observes something (picks up on a detail).
ABSORBS: Takes in information or liquid (picks up a concept quickly).
fungicide or herbicide residue that could harm the soil. Ensure the compost has fully decomposed to avoid any issues.REVIVES: Recovers or regains strength, as in 'business picks up'.
RESUMES: Starts again after an interruption, as in 'picks up where one left off'.
8 Letters
COLLECTS: Gathers or accumulates items (picks up shells on the beach).
RECOVERS: Gets back or retrieves something that was lost or taken.
More About "picks up crossword clue"
The clue "picks up" is a classic example of a multi-faceted phrase in crosswords. Its commonality stems from its versatility in the English language, encompassing a wide range of actions and states. From the physical act of lifting an object to the abstract process of learning a new skill, or even the subtle act of detecting a sound, "picks up" can genuinely stump solvers if they're stuck on a single interpretation.
Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they allow for clever misdirection and require solvers to think broadly about synonyms and idiomatic expressions. When you encounter "picks up," always consider the context. Is it about acquisition (GETS, GAINS), detection (HEARS, NOTICES), improvement (REVIVES, GAINS), or simply a physical action (LIFTS)? The surrounding letters and the length of the answer will be your best guides.
Understanding the various nuances of "picks up" not only helps you solve the current puzzle but also sharpens your general crossword-solving skills. It teaches you to anticipate and decode the often ambiguous language used in clues, making you a more efficient and successful solver in the long run.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. "Picks up" might be a short word like GETS (4 letters) or a longer one like COLLECTS (8 letters), each implying a different meaning.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Don't get fixated on one interpretation. Brainstorm all possible synonyms for "picks up" – to acquire, to learn, to hear, to improve, to lift, to collect, to resume, etc.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: If you have a few letters from crossing words, these can often eliminate many possibilities and guide you towards the correct meaning and answer for "picks up."
- Think About Idioms: Sometimes "picks up" might be part of an idiom. For example, 'picks up the slack' or 'picks up a tab'. While not directly relevant to this specific answer, it's a good general strategy for versatile clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "picks up" have so many different answers in crosswords?
The phrase "picks up" is highly versatile in the English language, carrying meanings like to learn, to acquire, to detect, to improve, or to physically lift. Crossword setters leverage this ambiguity to create clues with multiple potential solutions, depending on the specific nuance intended.
How can I narrow down the answer for "picks up"?
Look at the number of letters required and any intersecting letters. The clue might also subtly hint at the intended meaning through its broader context or the surrounding words in the puzzle's theme. Consider synonyms for different senses of 'pick up' like 'learn,' 'obtain,' 'detect,' 'collect,' or 'improve.'
Are there common themes associated with "picks up" clues?
Common themes often relate to acquiring knowledge (e.g., 'picks up a new language'), improving (e.g., 'business picks up'), physical action (e.g., 'picks up the ball'), or detecting something (e.g., 'picks up a signal'). Recognizing these common usages can help you choose the correct answer.