spill the beans crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the popular crossword clue "spill the beans", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "spill the beans crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TELL: To communicate information or reveal a secret.
BLAB: To reveal secrets carelessly or indiscreetly.
6 Letters
REVEAL: To make known something previously secret or unknown.
7 Letters
DIVULGE: To make known (private or sensitive information).
More About "spill the beans crossword clue"
The idiom "spill the beans" is a common phrase used to mean to reveal a secret or disclose information, often inadvertently. Its origin is debated, but one popular theory suggests it comes from ancient Greece, where votes were cast using beans. White beans meant a 'yes' vote, and black beans a 'no'. If the jar holding the beans was accidentally "spilled," the results of the vote would be revealed prematurely.
In modern usage, the phrase can imply revealing something that was supposed to be kept private, either by accident or intentionally. When you encounter this clue in a crossword, the answers will typically revolve around synonyms for revealing, disclosing, or confessing, often with a hint of informality or urgency.
Understanding the nuances of such idioms is key to mastering crosswords. This particular clue tests your vocabulary for words related to disclosure and transparency.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms: For clues like "spill the beans," immediately brainstorm synonyms for "reveal," "disclose," "confess," and "tell." Words like TELL, BLAB, and DIVULGE are prime candidates.
- Consider Word Length: Always check the number of boxes available in the grid. This is your most crucial clue. The same meaning can have answers of varying lengths (e.g., TELL vs. DIVULGE).
- Look at Crossing Letters: If you've filled in any letters from intersecting words, use them to narrow down possibilities. This can often be the deciding factor between two plausible answers.
- Informal vs. Formal Tone: "Spill the beans" has an informal tone. While some answers might be formal (like DIVULGE), also consider more colloquial words that fit the context if the puzzle's theme suggests it.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'spill the beans' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'spill the beans' typically refers to revealing a secret, disclosing confidential information, or inadvertently letting something slip. Answers will often be synonyms for these actions.
Are there other common phrases for revealing secrets in crosswords?
Yes, other common phrases or single words used for 'revealing secrets' in crosswords include 'LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG', 'GIVE AWAY', 'UNBURDEN', or 'CONFESS'.
How do I choose between similar answers for 'spill the beans'?
To choose between similar answers, always check the number of letters required by the puzzle grid. Also, look at any crossing letters you've already filled in, as these will confirm the correct word. The specific nuance of the clue or the puzzle's theme might also hint at the best fit.