Solving crossword puzzles often involves more than just knowing the meaning of words it requires a solid grasp of synonyms, idioms, and clever phrasing. One clue that has left many solvers scratching their heads is Be extremely sparing. This clue can appear deceptively simple, but its solution typically requires thinking about figurative language. When crossword creators use this kind of phrasing, they’re usually looking for a compact word or phrase that means to use something very minimally or not at all. To get to the correct answer, it’s essential to explore synonyms and the nuances of the phrase be extremely sparing.
Understanding the Clue
The phrase be extremely sparing refers to a situation in which someone is very reluctant to use or give something. This could apply to spending money, giving compliments, using resources, or offering support. In crossword terms, clues like this are typically asking for a verb or verb phrase that encapsulates this action.
In most puzzles, brevity is key. The clue is written in a succinct way, and the answer must fit neatly into the puzzle grid. Because of that, the solution often appears in the form of a single word with the right number of letters. But to solve it confidently, one needs to look deeper into the definitions and possible matches.
Breaking Down ‘Be Extremely Sparing’
Let’s analyze the phrase into its parts:
- Be: Suggests a state or behavior, usually a verb form.
- Extremely: Indicates intensity or an extreme degree.
- Sparing: Means giving or using very little of something.
Combining all three parts, the clue is likely looking for a word that expresses acting with great restraint, often in a way that borders on denial or refusal to use something.
Possible Answers in Crossword Puzzles
There are a few words that crossword puzzle creators use frequently in response to this clue. Below are the most common answers and why they fit.
1. Stint
This is the most common answer for the clue Be extremely sparing. The verb ‘stint’ means to limit or restrict, particularly in giving or spending. If someone stints on praise, for instance, they are very reluctant to give it. It’s concise, to the point, and fits most puzzle formats making it a popular answer in crosswords.
2. Skimp
‘Skimp’ means to provide insufficient effort, money, or resources. It’s very close in meaning to stint and may be used as an answer depending on the letter count and the structure of the puzzle. While stint tends to lean toward restriction, skimp emphasizes being cheap or neglectful.
3. Hoard
To hoard something is to collect and keep a large amount of it, often selfishly or unnecessarily. Though not a direct synonym of be extremely sparing, it fits thematically if the clue is interpreted as someone unwilling to use what they have. However, this is a less common crossword solution for this particular clue.
4. Economize
‘Economize’ means to reduce expenses or avoid waste. It fits the idea of being sparing, especially in financial contexts. This word might appear in longer-form crossword puzzles or thematic ones, where a longer answer is allowed.
5. Conserve
While conserve is often used to describe resource preservation, it aligns with the idea of being sparing. This word might be too long for short puzzle spaces, but it’s worth noting as a conceptual match.
How to Solve This Type of Clue
When facing a clue like be extremely sparing, solvers can follow a few techniques to uncover the right answer more easily.
- Count the letters.Crossword puzzles typically give the number of letters for the answer, which helps you eliminate options that don’t fit.
- Look at crossing words.Use any already-filled-in letters from intersecting answers to determine what letters are fixed in the word.
- Think about tone and usage.Is the clue asking for a formal word or a more colloquial one? Stint and skimp are both informal but widely used.
- Focus on verbs.Since the clue starts with be, you’re likely looking for a verb or action-oriented term rather than a noun.
Examples from Popular Puzzles
Here are some instances where this clue has appeared in known crossword publications, and the answers that were accepted:
- New York Times: Clue: Be extremely sparing Answer: STINT
- LA Times: Clue: Be frugal to the extreme Answer: SKIMP
- Wall Street Journal: Clue: Hold back in use Answer: CONSERVE
Why Stint Is Often the Best Fit
Among all the potential answers, stint is often the best fit for several reasons:
- It’s short (only five letters), making it easy to slot into many puzzles.
- It has a precise meaning that matches be extremely sparing.
- It’s versatile and often found in both older and newer crossword puzzles.
Because of these qualities, stint becomes the go-to solution in many standard-sized crosswords, particularly those that avoid overly obscure or complicated vocabulary.
Additional Synonyms That May Appear
Depending on how the clue is phrased, crossword creators may be hinting at related ideas. These aren’t always direct answers to be extremely sparing, but are worth knowing as part of your solving arsenal:
- Scrimp Similar to skimp, it means to be very economical or frugal.
- Withhold Implies keeping something back, such as information or money.
- Squelch Often means to suppress or silence, used metaphorically in some themed clues.
The clue Be extremely sparing might look simple on the surface, but it draws from a pool of nuanced vocabulary that includes verbs like stint, skimp, and economize. The most frequent answer you’ll encounter is stint due to its concise spelling and accurate match with the clue’s meaning. When solving this clue, focus on context, letter count, and intersecting words to narrow down your options. Expanding your familiarity with similar terms will also give you an advantage in tackling other clues with related themes. Crossword solving is as much about logic as it is about language, and understanding clues like this one sharpens both skills.