steer clear of crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "steer clear of", you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate answers and helpful explanations to get you unstuck and back to enjoying your puzzle.
Solutions for "steer clear of crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHUN: To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something.
5 Letters
AVOID: To keep away from or prevent from happening.
EVADE: Escape or avoid (someone or something), especially by cunning or trickery.
6 Letters
ESCHEW: Deliberately avoid using; abstain from.
BYPASS: To go around or avoid (an obstacle or problem).
More About "steer clear of crossword clue"
"Steer clear of" is a common idiom that signifies avoidance, evasion, or deliberate non-engagement. In crosswords, it serves as a straightforward request for a synonym that captures this meaning. Clues like this often appear in various forms, testing your vocabulary for words that imply keeping a distance, whether physically or metaphorically.
Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms like 'avoid,' 'shun,' 'eschew,' and 'evade' can be crucial. While all convey avoidance, 'shun' implies a social rejection, 'eschew' suggests a deliberate moral or principled abstention, and 'evade' often involves cunning or artifice to escape. Paying attention to these nuances can help you pick the perfect word when multiple options fit the letter count.
This type of clue is a good example of how crosswords test not just your knowledge of words, but also your grasp of their precise meanings and contexts. Always consider the implied tone or situation within the clue to narrow down the best possible answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "steer clear of," think about the subtle differences between similar words. Is it a general avoidance, a moral choice, or an active escape?
- Check Cross-References: If you have a partial answer, use the intersecting letters from other clues to confirm or eliminate possibilities. This is especially useful when multiple synonyms fit the primary clue.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, clues that seem to ask for a single word might have an answer that is a phrasal verb or a compound word. Always keep an open mind to different word structures.
- Use a Thesaurus Wisely: While online tools can provide synonyms, a good mental or physical thesaurus can help you see related words and their precise meanings, which is key for crossword success.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'steer clear of' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'steer clear of' typically means to avoid, shun, or evade something. It's a clue that asks for a synonym for abstaining from or keeping away from a situation, person, or object.
How can I find synonyms for 'steer clear of'?
When encountering 'steer clear of' in a crossword, consider the nuance of avoidance. Is it a deliberate act (like 'eschew'), a simple keeping away (like 'avoid'), or a skillful escape (like 'evade')? Thinking about the specific context or tone of the clue can help you narrow down the possibilities and find the exact word.
Are there common pitfalls when solving 'steer clear of' clues?
One common pitfall is confusing the literal meaning of 'steering' (like a vehicle) with the figurative meaning of avoiding. Always focus on the metaphorical sense of 'steer clear' when it appears in crosswords, and look for words that imply deliberate non-engagement or circumvention rather than physical navigation.