Cautious in negotiation (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CAGEY
Understanding "Cautious in Negotiation" in Crossword Puzzles
Cautious in negotiation is a behavioral crossword clue that answers to CAGEY (5 letters). In crossword terminology, this clue describes someone who is wary, guarded, and deliberately evasive when discussing sensitive information or during strategic discussions.
This vocabulary-based clue appears frequently in major crossword publications, combining informal language with business psychology to create an accessible puzzle entry that captures a universally recognized personality trait in professional and social contexts.
Why CAGEY Means Cautious in Negotiation
The answer CAGEY (also spelled "cagy") refers to someone who is shrewd, careful, and reluctant to reveal information or commit to positions. This behavior is especially characteristic during negotiations:
- Strategic withholding: Deliberately keeping cards close to the vest during discussions
- Evasive responses: Avoiding direct answers to probing questions
- Protective instinct: Guarding sensitive information or negotiating positions
- Calculated caution: Being careful not to reveal too much too soon
- Street-smart wariness: Understanding that revealing information can weaken bargaining position
Tips for Solving "Cautious in Negotiation" Clues
Strategic Solving Approaches
- Decode behavioral clues: Words like "cautious," "guarded," or "evasive" in crossword clues typically point to synonyms describing wariness or strategic withholding.
- Think business context: The word "negotiation" is key. This signals looking for terms associated with strategic communication and bargaining tactics.
- Count the letters: At 5 letters, CAGEY is short enough for tight grid spaces but distinctive enough to be memorable once learned.
- Use crossing answers: The C- opening and -EY ending are distinctive. Even 1-2 confirmed letters make CAGEY identifiable to experienced solvers.
- Consider informal language: CAGEY is colloquial rather than formal, fitting crossword preference for conversational vocabulary.
- Check theme consistency: Business, psychology, or personality-themed puzzles make CAGEY more likely.
Cautious in negotiation (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other 5-letter answers for "cautious in negotiation"?
A: CAGEY is the most common answer. CANNY (5) could work but implies cleverness more than caution. WARY (4) is too short.
Q: Is CAGEY always negative?
A: Not necessarily. In negotiation contexts, being cagey can be strategic and professional rather than deceitful. However, in personal relationships, it typically carries negative connotations.
Q: How do I distinguish CAGEY from similar words?
A: CAGEY specifically emphasizes withholding information strategically, while WARY emphasizes fear, SLY emphasizes cunning, and EVASIVE emphasizes avoiding directness.
Q: How can I remember this answer for future puzzles?
A: Think of someone in a "cage" protecting themselves—they're cautious about what they reveal through the bars. The CA-GE connection reinforces the metaphor.
Q: Does CAGEY appear in cryptic crosswords?
A: Yes, frequently. Example: "Shrewd old bird kept in pen (5)" where "pen" hints at "cage" and the answer is CAGEY.
