Hair raiser?
Stumped by “Hair Raiser?” Crack This Tricky Crossword Clue!
Hey crossword fanatics! Are you wrestling with a particularly thorny clue today? I know the feeling – that moment when you stare blankly at a seemingly impossible word puzzle, the letters taunting you from the page. Today’s challenge? The cryptic clue, “Hair Raiser?”
This one’s a real head-scratcher (pun intended!), playing on words in a way that’s both clever and frustrating. It requires a bit of lateral thinking and a good grasp of wordplay techniques often found in cryptic crosswords. Let’s break down why this clue is so tricky and explore the possible avenues to solve it.
First, consider the literal meaning: what could literally raise hair? Think about things that create a feeling of fright, shock, or surprise. Are there any words associated with those feelings that might fit the number of letters required by the crossword?
Next, delve into the more figurative interpretations. The clue could be employing a pun or a double meaning. “Hair raiser” might be describing something that affects the hair in a less obvious way. Perhaps it’s a type of product, a style, or even a person or occupation related to hair.
The beauty (and frustration!) of cryptic clues lies in their ambiguity. They often rely on wordplay, anagrams, hidden words, and reversals to lead you to the answer. Consider whether any of these techniques might be at play here.
To help you on your way, here are some helpful tips for tackling cryptic crossword clues:
Look for synonyms and related words:
The clue may not be using the most obvious word; consider synonyms and words with similar meanings.
Consider wordplay:
Pay attention to puns, anagrams, and other word games. Are there any words within the clue that can be rearranged or combined to create a new word?
Check the intersecting letters:
Already solved letters in intersecting words can provide valuable clues.
Don’t be afraid to guess:
If you have a hunch, try it out! Sometimes the process of elimination can help you reach the correct answer.
So, grab your dictionary, sharpen your pencils (or charge your tablet!), and get cracking! Let me know in the comments how you tackled this clue. Did you find the answer easily, or did it require some serious brainpower? Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Keywords:
crossword clue, cryptic crossword, crossword puzzle, crossword solver, crossword answers, word puzzle, word game, cryptic clue solutions, hair raiser, tricky crossword clue
Available Answers:
CLIP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 15 Nov 24, Friday