Exposure to destruction (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: PERIL
Understanding "Exposure to Destruction" in Crossword Clues
- Peril is the answer to this cryptic crossword clue, where "exposure to destruction" serves as a direct definition.
- The word peril means serious and immediate danger or risk of harm, perfectly capturing the concept of being exposed to potential destruction.
- In crossword puzzles, this type of clue relies on synonyms and definitional relationships, where solvers must recognize that exposure to destructive forces equals peril.
- The clue works through straightforward definition—no wordplay or hidden tricks involved. When you're exposed to destruction, you're in peril.
- This five-letter word appears frequently in crossword puzzles because it's concise, common, and has useful letter patterns (P-E-R-I-L) that intersect well with other words.
Why This Clue Works
- Crossword constructors favor peril because it relates to danger, jeopardy, hazard, and risk—all concepts easily clued through various phrases.
- "Exposure to destruction" emphasizes the vulnerability aspect: you're not just near danger, you're exposed to it, making you susceptible to harm. This captures the essence of peril perfectly.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for synonym relationships: When a clue describes a state or condition, think of direct synonyms. "Exposure to destruction" = danger/risk/peril.
- Count your letters carefully: The number in parentheses (5) is crucial—it eliminates longer synonyms like JEOPARDY or DANGER.
- Consider the context: If crossing letters give you P_R__, PERIL becomes obvious since it's one of the most common five-letter danger words.
- Build vocabulary: Keep mental lists of common crossword words for categories like danger (peril, hazard, risk), happiness (bliss, glee), and sadness (dolor, gloom).
- Use crosses strategically: If you're unsure, solve intersecting clues first. Even one or two letters can confirm PERIL as the answer.
- Think about word frequency: PERIL appears in crosswords far more often than alternatives like THREAT because of its letter pattern and versatility.
Exposure to destruction (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What does "exposure to destruction" mean in crossword context?
A: It's a definitional clue asking for a synonym of danger or risk. The answer describes the state of being vulnerable to harm or destruction.
Q: Are there other common answers for similar clues?
A: Yes—DANGER (6 letters), RISK (4 letters), or HAZARD (6 letters) could work with different letter counts, but for five letters, PERIL is the standard answer.
Q: How do I spot definitional clues vs. cryptic clues?
A: Definitional clues like this one simply describe the answer without wordplay. If the clue seems like a straight description or synonym, it's likely definitional.
Q: Does peril only mean physical danger?
A: No, peril can refer to any serious risk—financial peril, emotional peril, or environmental peril. The word is versatile across contexts.
