FAQs
used to indicate that one is using words in an unusual or figurative way rather than a literal way. We need to be all on the same wavelength, so to speak.
What does it mean when a crossword hint says say? ›
If your crossword puzzle clue ends in “say,” this typically indicates that the answer belongs to a broader category. Before you pencil in 31-Across, keep in mind that clues that end in “say” aren't always one-to-one synonyms—multiple answers may fit the definition and interpretations may be broad.
Are you allowed to look up answers for crossword? ›
As former New York Times crossword editor Will Weng once said, 'It's your puzzle and you can do it any way you please. ' In fact, I'd argue that looking up a crossword answer is good, since you both learn something new and know the answer for next time (as many crossword answers appear time and again in grids)."
What do the numbers next to crossword clues mean? ›
Most cryptic crosswords provide the number of letters in the answer, or in the case of phrases, a series of numbers to denote the letters in each word: "cryptic crossword" would be clued with "(7,9)" following the clue. More advanced puzzles may drop this portion of the clue.
What is a synonym for "so to speak"? ›
WordReference English Thesaurus © 2024. Synonyms: as it were, in a manner of speaking, as the saying goes, as we say, as might be, seemingly , in a way.
What is meant by the phrase "so to speak"? ›
phrase. You use so to speak to draw attention to the fact that you are describing or referring to something in a way that may be amusing or unusual rather than completely accurate. I ought not to tell you but I will, since you're in the family, so to speak.
What is the hardest day for crossword puzzles? ›
The crosswords are designed to increase in difficulty throughout the week, with the easiest on Monday and the most difficult on Saturday. The larger Sunday crossword, which appears in The New York Times Magazine, is an icon in American culture; it is typically intended to be a "Thursday-plus" in difficulty.
Can crosswords have two word answers? ›
However, many times the blank space can be filled in with two or more words. In easier crosswords, multiple words will be indicated with (2 words) or (2 wds.), but more often than not it will be up to the solver to determine how many words fill in the space.
What does fig mean in crossword? ›
abbreviation. figurative; figuratively; figure.
Can people with dementia still do crossword puzzles? ›
“People with high IQs tend to do better with dementia because there is more cognitive reserve. However, once dementia sets in one cannot overcome the degenerative process by doing cognitive tasks like crossword puzzles. It may slow the process down somewhat though.”
In crosswords, that usually means that the answer to the dashed clue is the continuation of another entry. In today's puzzle, it's the end of the previous entry. Now take a closer look at the grid and you will see the complete answers, with black squares splitting up the P's on either side of them.
What kind of health is answering crosswords and puzzles? ›
First, doing crossword puzzles is difficult, and many studies have shown that performing moderately difficult cognitive tasks is helpful for cognitive and brain health.
What does it mean when there is a circle in a crossword? ›
Although not present in all crossword types, circles are typically placed around letter squares in crosswords to refer to squares that will form part of a theme. After solving the crossword, the circled letters can be combined together to spell a word associated with the theme, or name the theme itself.
What does anag mean in crosswords? ›
“Anag” is an abbreviation for the word anagram, which means a word, phrase or a sentence formed from another by rearranging its letters arbitrarily. Art is an anag for the word rat. C.H.
What does exclamation mark mean in a cryptic crossword? ›
Literal Clues: In a special type of clue called an &lit the clue's definition and cryptic halves are the same (“and literally so”). You may also see the term all-in-one for these types of clues. This is usually indicated by an exclamation point at the end of the clue.
How to use "so to speak" in writing? ›
used to explain that what you are saying is not to be understood exactly as stated: In that relationship it's very much Lorna who wears the trousers, so to speak (= Lorna makes all the important decisions).
What does to speak words mean? ›
: to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk.
Is it so to speak or sort of speak? ›
When you use an expression that is not meant entirely literally, or is slang or informal, you may follow it with “so to speak” or “in a manner of speaking.” It is most appropriately used to acknowledge that you have just expressed an idea in an unusual fashion.
What is the meaning of so as to say? ›
"so as to say" is correct and can be used in written English. It is used when you are trying to explain something or make a comparison, often using a more casual or simplified version of the truth. For example, "He had so many jobs, so as to say he was a professional juggler of sorts."