swallow crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "swallow crossword clue", you're in the right place. This page provides all possible solutions, expertly categorized by length, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances of the clue.
Solutions for "swallow crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EAT: A fundamental action of consuming food, directly related to swallowing.
4 Letters
BIRD: Refers to the well-known migratory avian species, the swallow.
GULP: To swallow quickly or greedily, often used when drinking liquids.
5 Letters
DRINK: To take liquid into the body through the mouth, which involves swallowing.
6 Letters
INGEST: To take food, drink, or another substance into the body, a more formal term for swallow.
DEVOUR: To eat food or prey hungrily or quickly, often implying a rapid swallowing motion.
ABSORB: To take in or soak up, sometimes used figuratively as in 'swallow your pride' or 'swallow information'.
MARTIN: Another type of bird, closely related to the swallow, often clued similarly.
ENGULF: To sweep over something so as to surround or cover it completely, can be used figuratively for swallowing something whole.
More About "swallow crossword clue"
The word "swallow" is a classic crossword puzzler's delight because of its distinct dual meanings: it can refer to the act of consuming something (a verb) or to a specific type of bird (a noun). This duality is frequently exploited by clue setters, requiring solvers to pay close attention to context and the length of the desired answer.
When "swallow" appears in a clue, first consider whether the surrounding words suggest an action related to eating, drinking, or internalizing something. Clues might involve phrases like "take in," "gulp down," or "consume." Alternatively, if the clue hints at flight, nests, or mentions other bird names, the answer is likely to be the avian variety or a related bird.
Understanding these linguistic tricks is key to mastering crosswords. Our comprehensive list above covers both interpretations, providing you with the most probable solutions regardless of the specific context your puzzle presents. Always cross-reference with intersecting letters to narrow down the possibilities effectively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: For clues like "swallow," always consider potential homonyms, synonyms, and especially double meanings. Crossword setters love to mislead with words that sound or look similar but have vastly different contexts.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your best friend. A 3-letter answer for "swallow" is unlikely to be a bird species, but 4 or 6 letters could point to either meaning. Use this constraint to eliminate possibilities.
- Examine Intersecting Letters: The letters you've already filled in from other clues are critical. They will often definitively point you towards one meaning over another, especially when dealing with ambiguous clues like "swallow."
- Think Broadly for Synonyms: Beyond direct synonyms for "eat" or "bird," consider more abstract terms related to "swallow," such as "absorb" (to take in information), or even terms related to the physical act of swallowing like "gulp."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main meanings of 'swallow' often used in crosswords?
The word 'swallow' commonly refers to the act of ingesting food or drink, and also to a small, migratory bird species. Crosswords frequently play on this duality, requiring solvers to discern the intended meaning from the surrounding clues.
How can I tell if 'swallow' refers to the verb or the bird in a crossword clue?
Context is key! If the clue mentions 'food,' 'drink,' 'gulp,' or 'take in,' it's likely referring to the verb. If it mentions 'migratory,' 'nest,' 'bird,' 'flyer,' or mentions other bird names like 'martin,' it probably refers to the bird. Also, consider the length of the required answer, as bird names or synonyms for ingestion might fit different patterns.
Are there other words with double meanings like 'swallow' that are common in crosswords?
Absolutely! Crosswords thrive on wordplay and multiple meanings. Examples include 'bank' (river edge or financial institution), 'spring' (season or coil), 'crane' (bird or machine), and 'pupil' (student or eye part). Always be aware of potential alternative meanings and common crossword tropes when solving.