suck up nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "suck up nyt crossword", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's find that solution!
Solutions for "suck up nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FAWN: To display excessive flattery or affection, often in a subservient manner.
5 Letters
TOADY: To behave in an obsequious or servile manner, often for personal gain.
6 Letters
GROVEL: To act in an excessively subservient or humble manner, often by physically abasing oneself.
KOWTOW: To act in an excessively subservient manner; often referring to the traditional Chinese act of bowing deeply.
7 Letters
FLATTER: To praise (someone) excessively and insincerely, especially to further one's own interests.
8 Letters
BOOTLICK: To act in a servile or obsequious way toward someone in authority, usually for personal advantage.
9 Letters
BROWNNOSE: To ingratiate oneself with someone through obsequious behavior or flattery.
11 Letters
APPLEPOLISH: To try to gain favor with someone through flattery, often insincerely.
More About "suck up nyt crossword"
"Suck up" is a common idiomatic expression that describes the act of trying to gain favor from someone, typically a superior, through excessive flattery, servile behavior, or obsequiousness. It implies an insincere and self-serving motive behind the actions. In the context of crossword puzzles, particularly challenging ones like the NYT, clues using such phrases require a good understanding of synonyms and related idioms.
The variety of answers for a clue like "suck up" highlights the richness of the English language when it comes to describing human behavior, especially social dynamics in hierarchical settings. From more formal terms like 'fawn' or 'kowtow' to informal, vivid phrases such as 'brownnose' or 'bootlick', each word carries its own subtle nuance. Understanding these nuances can be key to selecting the correct answer based on the given letter count and intersecting letters in the puzzle.
Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they can be interpreted in multiple ways, offering several valid solutions depending on the puzzle's specific constraints. Always consider the tone and style of the particular crossword puzzle you are solving, as this can sometimes hint towards a more formal or informal answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "suck up," think about the specific type of flattery or subservience implied. Is it mild admiration or extreme groveling? This can help differentiate between close synonyms.
- Consider Letter Count First: Always prioritize the given letter count. If you have a few options, the number of letters will immediately narrow down your choices significantly.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are your most reliable guide to confirming or ruling out potential answers.
- Think About Idioms: Many crossword clues, especially in the NYT, use idiomatic expressions. Be prepared to think beyond literal meanings and consider common phrases.
- Keep a Thesaurus Handy: For clues that hint at synonyms, a quick check of a thesaurus for the core concept (e.g., flattery, subservience) can often reveal the exact word the constructor had in mind.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'suck up' mean in a crossword context?
'Suck up' typically refers to acting in an obsequious or excessively flattering way to gain favor, usually from someone in a position of authority. In crosswords, answers often include synonyms like FAWN, TOADY, GROVEL, or phrases like BROWNNOSE or APPLEPOLISH.
How can I distinguish between similar answers for 'suck up'?
Consider the nuance and length. 'FAWN' suggests a fawning animal, 'KOWTOW' implies a specific physical act of deference, while 'BROWNNOSE' or 'APPLEPOLISH' are more informal and emphasize the self-serving nature. The number of letters provided by the puzzle is the primary hint, followed by any already known intersecting letters.
Is 'suck up' a common type of clue in the NYT crossword?
Yes, clues related to flattery, obsequiousness, or seeking favor are quite common in the NYT and other crosswords. They often appear with various synonyms or idiomatic expressions, requiring a good vocabulary for social behaviors and a keen eye for subtle distinctions in meaning.