Blowing hot and cold (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: MERCURIAL
Understanding the Crossword Clue
- Blowing hot and cold is a classic idiom meaning to be unpredictable or changeable in attitude, alternating between enthusiasm and indifference.
- The answer MERCURIAL (9 letters) perfectly captures this volatile, temperamental behavior.The term comes from Mercury, the Roman god known for his quick, changeable nature and swift movements.
- When someone is described as mercurial, they display rapidly shifting moods—warm and friendly one moment, cold and distant the next.
Related Crossword Terms and Synonyms
- Volatile - similarly describes unpredictable behavior
- Capricious - prone to sudden changes
- Fickle - changing loyalties or affections frequently
- Temperamental - having an unpredictable disposition
- Erratic - lacking consistency or regularity
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for idiomatic phrases - "Blowing hot and cold" is a well-known expression, so recognizing these phrases helps unlock answers quickly.
- Consider the letter count - The (9) tells you exactly how many letters you need, immediately narrowing possibilities.
- Think about word origins - Many personality-describing words come from mythology or classical references, like mercurial from Mercury.
- Check crossing letters - Use intersecting answers to confirm your solution, especially for longer words.
- Remember temperament vocabulary - Build your knowledge of words describing personality traits and mood changes for future puzzles.
Blowing hot and cold (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What does "blowing hot and cold" literally mean?
A: It's an idiom describing someone who alternates between being enthusiastic and indifferent, friendly and distant, or supportive and critical without consistency.
Q: Why is the word "mercurial" associated with changeability?
A: It derives from Mercury, the swift Roman messenger god known for unpredictable movement and changeable nature, also associated with the liquid metal mercury that flows and shifts rapidly.
Q: Are there shorter alternatives to mercurial?
A: Yes, words like "moody" (5), "fickle" (6), or "erratic" (7) convey similar meanings but may not fit specific letter counts.
Q: Is mercurial always negative?
A: Not entirely. While it often describes problematic unpredictability, it can also suggest liveliness, quick wit, and dynamic energy in some contexts.
Q: How common is this clue in crosswords?
A: The "blowing hot and cold" phrase appears regularly in cryptic and standard crosswords as it's a recognizable idiom with a clear 9-letter solution.
