rake crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue 'rake crossword clue'? You've landed on the right page! Below, you'll find comprehensive answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "rake crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CAD: A scoundrel or unprincipled man, often a historical meaning of rake.
4 Letters
TOOL: An implement used for gathering leaves or debris.
5 Letters
SWEEP: To move or gather with a rake, or a general survey.
6 Letters
GATHER: To collect or accumulate, as with a rake.
9 Letters
SCOUNDREL: A dishonest or immoral person, synonymous with a 'rake' in its negative sense.
10 Letters
PROFLIGATE: A person given to extravagance and dissolution, another term for a 'rake' (noun).
More About "rake crossword clue"
The term "rake" in crosswords is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings, often designed to challenge solvers. Historically, "rake" can refer not only to a garden tool but also to a dissolute man, a playboy, or a scoundrel. This duality makes it a versatile clue for puzzle constructors, allowing them to lead solvers down different semantic paths depending on the desired answer length and context.
When encountering "rake" as a clue, it's essential to consider whether the puzzle is hinting at the literal garden implement or the archaic, figurative sense of a morally loose individual. The length of the answer is often your best hint. A short answer might point to common synonyms like 'CAD' or 'TOOL', while longer answers could be more descriptive terms like 'SCOUNDREL' or 'PROFLIGATE'. Always keep an eye on other solved letters in the grid for crucial cross-referencing clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: For clues like "rake," always consider the different possible meanings. Is it a noun (tool, person) or a verb (to gather)? The broader theme of the puzzle or other clues can often provide hints.
- Check Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is your most powerful guide. A 3-letter answer for "rake" is very likely 'CAD', while a 10-letter answer will require a much more elaborate synonym like 'PROFLIGATE'.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If the direct meaning isn't fitting, consider words associated with "rake." For the tool, think of other garden implements. For the person, brainstorm synonyms for 'scoundrel' or 'playboy'.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Always use letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These letters will quickly eliminate incorrect possibilities and confirm the correct meaning of "rake" in that specific puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different meanings of "rake" in crosswords?
In crosswords, "rake" commonly refers to a garden implement used for clearing leaves or debris. However, it also frequently appears as a noun describing a dissolute, immoral, or fashionable person, often a man (e.g., a playboy or scoundrel). Less commonly, it can be a verb meaning to sweep or gather, or to incline/slope.
How do I know which meaning of "rake" to use when solving a crossword?
The context provided by other solved letters in the grid, the number of letters required for the answer, and any additional words in the clue (e.g., 'garden tool' vs. 'dissolute fellow') are crucial. For instance, a short answer like 'CAD' suggests the 'person' meaning, while 'GARDENTOOL' points to the implement.
Are there common synonyms for "rake" that frequently appear as crossword answers?
Yes, common synonyms depend on the meaning. For the garden tool, 'HOE' or 'TILLER' might be related. For the dissolute person, 'CAD', 'ROGUE', 'LIBERTINE', 'DEBAUCHEE', 'PROFLIGATE', or 'SCOUNDREL' are frequently used. As a verb, 'SWEEP', 'GATHER', or 'COMB' can be answers.