quarry nyt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the 'quarry nyt crossword clue' and need a little assistance, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution for your New York Times crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "quarry nyt crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PIT: A large hole or depression in the ground, often referring to an open-pit mine or excavation site, which is a type of quarry.
4 Letters
PREY: An animal that is hunted or caught for food by another animal, perfectly fitting the 'object of a hunt' meaning of quarry.
MINE: A large excavation in the earth from which stone or other materials are extracted, aligning with the 'place of excavation' meaning of quarry.
6 Letters
TARGET: An object or area at which an attack is aimed; an object of pursuit, akin to 'quarry' as something aimed for or sought.
More About "quarry nyt crossword clue"
The clue "quarry" in a crossword puzzle is a classic example of a word with dual meanings, often used to challenge solvers. One primary meaning refers to a place from which stone or other materials are extracted, such as a rock quarry or a gravel pit. This interpretation often leads to answers like MINE or PIT, focusing on the physical location and its function.
On the other hand, "quarry" can also mean an animal pursued or hunted, or more broadly, any object of pursuit. This meaning evokes terms like PREY or TARGET. The genius of a good crossword clue like this lies in its ability to force the solver to consider both aspects of the word, relying on other clues or the number of letters to reveal the intended meaning.
When encountering this clue, always consider the surrounding context of the puzzle. Are there other clues related to animals or hunting? Or perhaps clues related to geology or construction? These can provide vital hints to narrow down the possible interpretations of "quarry."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: "Quarry" can be both a noun (a place, an animal) and a verb (to extract). While crossword clues for single words are often nouns, being aware of verb meanings can sometimes provide subtle hints if the clue is rephrased.
- Check Crossing Letters First: If you're stuck on "quarry," try to solve the intersecting clues. Even one or two confirmed letters can drastically reduce the number of possible answers, helping you decide between PREY, MINE, PIT, or TARGET.
- Consider Common Crossword Themes: Crossword constructors often reuse popular words or concepts. Words with multiple common meanings, like "quarry," are frequent favorites. Knowing this, be prepared to consider all popular interpretations.
- Think about Nuances: Does the clue hint at a specific type of quarry? "Stone quarry" might point more strongly to MINE, while "lion's quarry" would almost certainly mean PREY. Look for these subtle qualifiers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'quarry' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'quarry' commonly refers to two main concepts: either an animal or person that is hunted or pursued (prey), or a place from which stone or other materials are extracted (a mine or pit). The specific context of the puzzle's clue or surrounding letters will indicate which meaning is intended.
How do I choose the right 'quarry' answer if there are multiple options?
To determine the correct answer, first check the number of letters required for the solution. Then, use any crossing letters you've already filled in from other clues. The clue itself might also provide a subtle hint, such as 'hunter's goal' for PREY or 'stone source' for MINE.
Are there common synonyms for 'quarry' used in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms for 'quarry' often seen in crosswords include PREY, MINE, PIT, and TARGET. Each relates to one of the primary meanings of the word 'quarry'.