saws crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling "saws crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "saws crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CUTS: Refers to the action performed by a saw, as in 'the carpenter saws the wood' or 'the machine cuts the metal'.
6 Letters
AXIOMS: A self-evident truth; a proverb or maxim. This meaning of 'saws' is archaic but frequently used in crosswords to mean wise old sayings.
6 Letters
MAXIMS: An old saying, a proverb, or a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct. A very common crossword answer for 'saws' in its proverbial sense.
BLADES: The cutting part of a saw or other tool. This answer focuses on the tool component.
7 Letters
SAYINGS: Common expressions or proverbs, directly aligning with the meaning of 'saws' as traditional wisdom or adages.
RIPSAWS: A specific type of saw designed primarily for cutting wood along the grain. This refers to the physical tool.
More About "saws crossword clue"
The clue "saws" is a classic example of a crossword clue designed to trick the solver by leveraging multiple meanings of a word. Most people immediately think of the cutting tool, but in crosswords, 'saws' often refers to 'old sayings' or 'proverbs'. This archaic definition adds a layer of complexity, requiring solvers to consider a broader range of vocabulary and historical context.
Understanding this duality is crucial. When 'saws' appears, it's a signal to pause and consider whether the answer should be related to carpentry and tools (like RIPSAWS or BLADES) or to wisdom and maxims (like AXIOMS or SAYINGS). The length of the answer, along with intersecting letters from other clues, will usually guide you to the correct interpretation, making 'saws' a satisfying challenge for experienced solvers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Embrace Dual Meanings: Always consider if a seemingly straightforward clue like "saws" has an older, less common, or metaphorical meaning. Crossword setters love to exploit such linguistic nuances.
- Check Intersecting Letters: The letters you fill in from crossing clues are your best friends. If a letter doesn't fit with a tool-related answer for 'saws', try fitting a proverb-related word, or vice-versa.
- Think Synonyms and Actions: For verbs or nouns, think about not just direct synonyms but also actions associated with the word (e.g., 'saws' leads to 'CUTS') or parts of the object (e.g., 'BLADES').
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'saws' have multiple meanings in crosswords?
'Saws' is a tricky clue because it can refer both to cutting tools and to old proverbs or maxims. This duality, stemming from the archaic use of 'saw' as a saying, is a classic crossword setter's trick to challenge solvers and makes it a versatile clue.
Are 'proverbs' and 'maxims' common crossword answers for 'saws'?
Yes, 'MAXIMS', 'AXIOMS', and 'SAYINGS' are very common answers when 'saws' refers to old sayings. Crossword constructors love this less obvious meaning, so it's always worth considering when you encounter the clue.
How do I distinguish between the meanings of 'saws' in a crossword?
Context is key! Look at the number of letters in the answer, any intersecting letters, and the theme of the puzzle. If other clues lean towards wisdom, literature, or abstract concepts, the 'sayings' meaning is more likely. If the puzzle involves tools, carpentry, or actions, it probably refers to the cutting implement.