High-strung (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: NERVOUS
High-strung is a crossword clue with 7 letters, and the answer is NERVOUS. This common puzzle clue describes someone who is tense, easily agitated, or anxious by nature. The term "high-strung" perfectly captures the state of being constantly on edge or overly sensitive to stress.
Understanding the Connection
- When someone is described as high-strung, they typically exhibit nervous energy and heightened reactivity to situations. The word NERVOUS fits this description precisely, as it encompasses feelings of anxiety, tension, and restlessness.
- In crossword puzzles, this clue-answer pairing works because both terms describe a similar emotional and physical state of being wound up or tightly strung.
- The relationship between these words stems from their shared meaning of excessive tension or sensitivity. A high-strung person often displays nervous habits, worries excessively, and reacts strongly to minor stressors.
- This makes NERVOUS the ideal 7-letter solution that captures the essence of being high-strung.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for emotional state descriptors: Clues describing personality traits or emotional conditions often point to adjectives like NERVOUS, ANXIOUS, or RESTLESS.
- Count your letters carefully: With exactly 7 letters needed, eliminate shorter options like "tense" (5) or "edgy" (4).
- Consider synonyms in layers: Think about what "high-strung" means literally (tightly wound) and figuratively (anxious disposition).
- Use crossing answers: If you have a few letters already filled in, especially the first or last letter, you can quickly confirm NERVOUS as your answer.
- Remember common patterns: The "OU" combination in NERVOUS is distinctive and can help you recognize the word even with partial letters.
High-strung (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:What does high-strung actually mean?
High-strung describes someone with a nervous, excitable temperament who is easily stressed or agitated. It's like a guitar string wound too tightly, ready to snap at any moment.
Q:Are there other 7-letter answers for "high-strung"?
While NERVOUS is the most common answer, occasionally you might see UPTIGHT (7 letters) or ANXIOUS (7 letters) depending on the puzzle's theme and crossing words.
Q:Why is this clue so common in crosswords?
The clue-answer combination works well because both terms are familiar to solvers, the letter count is moderate, and NERVOUS contains useful common letters (E, R, S, N) that create good crossing opportunities.
Q:How can I remember this answer for future puzzles?
Associate "high-strung" with stringed instruments that are tightly wound, which makes them sensitive and produces a nervous, vibrating energy—just like someone who is NERVOUS.
