what's the matter with them crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "what's the matter with them," you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common and accurate solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "what's the matter with them crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
AIL: To suffer from an illness; to trouble or afflict.
ILL: Unwell or unhealthy. A very common and direct answer.
4 Letters
SICK: Affected by physical or mental illness. Often used interchangeably with 'ill'.
5 Letters
WORRY: To feel or cause to feel anxious or troubled. Refers to a state of mental distress.
6 Letters
ISSUES: Problems or difficulties. A general term for something being wrong.
7 Letters
CONCERN: Anxiety; worry. Also, a matter of interest or importance to someone, often implying trouble.
MALAISE: A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify. Fits when the 'matter' is vague discomfort.
8 Letters
PROBLEMS: A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome. A direct translation of 'what's the matter'.
More About "what's the matter with them crossword"
The clue "what's the matter with them" is a classic crossword staple, often pointing towards words that describe a state of distress, illness, or general trouble. The ambiguity of "matter" allows for a wide range of answers, from physical ailments like 'AIL' or 'SICK' to emotional or situational difficulties like 'WORRY' or 'PROBLEMS'. Understanding the nuances of this phrase in different contexts is key to solving it.
Crossword setters love this clue because it can refer to a person's health, a situation's status, or even an object's malfunction. The most common answers are short and direct, but depending on the puzzle's difficulty and theme, you might encounter more descriptive or less common synonyms for 'trouble' or 'unwellness'. Always consider the letter count and intersecting words before committing to an answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The first and most critical step is always to check the number of boxes available. This immediately narrows down your options for "what's the matter with them."
- Check Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a difficult clue in isolation. Use the letters you get from perpendicular answers to fill in blanks, which will often reveal the correct word for your challenging clue.
- Consider Nuance: Does the puzzle lean towards a casual tone (e.g., 'SICK') or a more formal one (e.g., 'MALAISE')? The overall style of the crossword can sometimes hint at the type of vocabulary expected.
- Think Synonyms Broadly: For clues like this, which imply a state, think of all possible synonyms for 'trouble,' 'unwell,' 'difficulty,' or 'issue.' Brainstorming can unlock less obvious but correct answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'what's the matter with them' typically imply in a crossword clue?
This clue usually implies a state of being unwell, troubled, distressed, or experiencing difficulties. Answers often relate to physical ailments, emotional states, or general problems.
How can I narrow down answers for clues like 'what's the matter with them' if multiple words fit?
Look at the number of letters required for the answer. Check surrounding cross-referenced clues; often, a letter from an intersecting word will confirm which specific answer is correct. Consider the overall theme or tone of the puzzle.
Are there common synonyms for 'trouble' or 'unwellness' frequently used in crosswords?
Yes, common short answers include AIL, ILL, SICK. Longer ones might be WORRY, CONCERN, MALAISE, or PROBLEMS, depending on the context and required letter count. Keep a mental list of these frequently appearing terms.