rats crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "rats crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and back to enjoying your puzzle.
Solutions for "rats crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DARN: An exclamation of mild annoyance or disappointment, often used interchangeably with "Rats!".
5 Letters
SPIES: To observe or discover secretly, often for the purpose of obtaining information or with an intent to betray.
6 Letters
INFORM: To give secret or damaging information about someone to an authority, often implying betrayal.
7 Letters
SQUEALS: To make a long, high-pitched cry, or to inform on someone, especially as a betrayal.
DESERTS: To abandon (a person, cause, or organization) in a way considered disloyal or treacherous.
More About "rats crossword"
The crossword clue "rats" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that often trip up solvers. Its most common use in puzzles deviates from the literal animal and leans towards its idiomatic or exclamatory senses. As a verb, "to rat" means to betray or inform on someone, linking it to answers like INFORM or SQUEALS.
Another frequent interpretation of "rats" in crosswords is as an exclamation of mild annoyance or frustration, much like "Darn!" or "Fooey!". This duality makes it a clever clue, requiring the solver to consider both the letter count of the desired answer and any surrounding context within the puzzle to determine the correct interpretation.
Understanding these nuances is key to solving such clues efficiently. Always consider if the answer you have fits the narrative of betrayal or a simple expression of dismay. The various word lengths provided above cover the most common answers you'll encounter for this versatile clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the exact number of letters required for the answer. This is the single most important constraint in crosswords and immediately eliminates many possibilities, especially for multi-faceted clues like "rats".
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "rats" used as a noun, verb, or exclamation? While some clues are straightforward, complex ones like this often hide their true meaning in their grammatical function. Look for subtle hints in the clue's phrasing or an exclamation mark.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. If you have any letters from intersecting words, use them as vital clues. They often narrow down possibilities and can confirm whether you're dealing with "SQUEALS" or "DARN".
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'rats' mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'rats' can refer to the rodents, but more commonly, it alludes to the verb 'to rat', meaning to betray or inform on someone (e.g., 'squeals', 'informs', 'deserts'). It can also be an exclamation of mild annoyance, similar to 'Darn!' or 'Fooey!'
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'rats' in a crossword?
The number of letters in the answer is your primary guide. Also, consider surrounding letters if you have any. If the clue has a punctuation mark like an exclamation point, it often points to the 'exclamation' meaning. Without it, lean towards the 'betrayal' or 'informer' meanings.
Are there common synonyms for 'rats' as an exclamation?
Yes, common synonyms for 'rats' as an exclamation include 'DARN', 'FOOEY', 'SHUCKS', or 'DRAT'. These are typically short, four or five-letter answers.