tears crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "tears" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. This page provides all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle effortlessly.
Solutions for "tears crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SOBS: To cry with short, convulsive gasps, often associated with shedding tears.
RIPS: To tear or pull something quickly or forcibly apart.
5 Letters
WEEPS: To shed tears; to cry.
RENDS: To tear (something) into two or more pieces.
RACES: To move at very high speed, as in "tears down the track."
More About "tears crossword clue"
"Tears" is a fascinating word in the English language, primarily because it's a homograph—a word spelled identically but with different meanings and often different pronunciations. This quality makes it a favorite among crossword setters for creating tricky clues. One common meaning refers to the droplets of liquid shed from the eyes, typically due to emotion like sadness or joy. This leads to answers like WEEPS or SOBS.
However, "tears" can also mean to rip or pull something apart forcefully. In this context, it implies an act of destruction or separation, yielding answers such as RENDS or RIPS. Furthermore, in informal language, "to tear" can mean to move at a very high speed, as in "he tears down the road," which might point to answers like RACES or SPEEDS. Understanding these distinct interpretations is crucial for deciphering the setter's intent.
The ambiguity of "tears" forces solvers to consider the surrounding words in the clue, the number of letters in the solution, and even the general theme of the puzzle. This multi-layered nature makes it a challenging but rewarding clue to solve, as it tests not just vocabulary but also contextual understanding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always read the entire clue carefully. For a word like "tears," the other words in the clue will often hint at which meaning is intended (e.g., "sad droplets" vs. "rips apart").
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters required for the answer can immediately eliminate possibilities for words with multiple meanings. A 4-letter answer for "tears" will likely be different from a 7-letter one.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "tears" being used as a verb (to tear) or a noun (the tears)? This distinction can guide you to the correct answer. Often, if it's a noun, the clue might imply a plural form.
- Look for Homographs: Be aware that many common words like "bow," "lead," and "wind" also have multiple meanings and are frequently used in crosswords to mislead. Recognizing these patterns will improve your solving speed.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach a clue with multiple meanings like 'tears'?
The best approach is to consider all known meanings of the word first. Then, look for context clues within the puzzle's theme or other words in the clue. The number of letters in the answer is also a huge hint. Try substituting different synonyms for each meaning until one fits the given letter count and context.
If I'm stuck on 'tears', what's a good next step?
If you're truly stumped, try solving other clues around it. Filling in surrounding letters can reveal partial answers for "tears," making it easier to deduce the correct word from its various meanings. Don't be afraid to leave it and come back!
Are crossword clues with homographs considered fair?
Yes, they are generally considered fair game in crosswords. They are a common technique used by setters to add a layer of challenge and cleverness. Mastering them is a sign of an experienced crossword solver!