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Adding fuel to (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: STOKING
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Adding Fuel To
- Adding fuel to is a crossword clue that leads to the answer STOKING (7 letters). This phrase refers to the act of feeding or adding fuel to a fire, furnace, or any burning source to maintain or increase its intensity.
- The term "stoking" comes from the practice of tending fires, particularly in steam engines, boilers, and traditional heating systems where coal or wood needed to be continually added to keep the flames burning strong.
What Does STOKING Mean?
- STOKING means to add fuel to a fire or furnace to keep it burning vigorously. In a literal sense, stoking involves pushing, poking, or adding combustible materials like coal, wood, or other fuel sources to maintain heat and flame intensity.
- The word derives from the Dutch word "stoken," meaning to poke or stir up a fire.Beyond its literal meaning, stoking also has figurative applications.
- You might stoke emotions, stoke controversy, or stoke enthusiasm—all meaning to fuel, intensify, or encourage something to grow stronger.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for letter count signals: The "(7)" indicates exactly seven letters, which immediately suggests STOKING over shorter alternatives like "fueling" or longer ones like "kindling."
- Consider both literal and figurative meanings: Fire-related clues often have double meanings. "Stoking tensions" uses the same word figuratively.
- Check crossing words: If you have S__K_N_, the answer becomes much clearer. Use intersecting clues to confirm your answer.
- Think historically: Words like stoking connect to older technologies (steam engines, coal furnaces) that appear frequently in crosswords due to their useful letter patterns.
- Watch for verb forms: Stoking is the present participle. Related forms include stoked, stokes, and stoker (the person who does the stoking).
Adding fuel to (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is STOKING 7 letters when "fueling" is also 7 letters?
A: Both work grammatically, but "stoking" more precisely matches the traditional phrasing "adding fuel to" because it specifically relates to fire and furnace maintenance, while "fueling" is broader.
Q: Is STOKING only used for solid fuels like coal?
A: Traditionally yes, but the term has expanded. You can technically stoke any fire, though it's most associated with coal, wood, and solid fuels that require physical feeding.
Q: Can STOKING be used in modern contexts?
A: Absolutely. While fewer people stoke coal furnaces today, the figurative use thrives: "stoking debate," "stoking interest," "stoking the economy."
Q: What's the difference between stoking and kindling?
A: Kindling refers to starting a fire with small, easily combustible materials. Stoking refers to maintaining and intensifying an already-burning fire by adding more fuel.
Q: Are there regional variations in how STOKING is used?
A: The term is widely understood in English-speaking countries, particularly in Britain where coal heating was historically common. Americans might be slightly more familiar with "feeding the fire," but stoking remains standard.
