Key worker (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: LOCKSMITH
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Key Worker (9)
- When you encounter the crossword clue "Key worker (9)" in your puzzle, the answer you're looking for is LOCKSMITH.
- This clever clue plays on the double meaning of "key worker" – referring both to someone who works with physical keys and locks, and the broader term for essential workers in society.
Common Crossword Variations and Related Clues
- Crossword enthusiasts will encounter numerous variations of locksmith-related clues. "One who makes a key decision?" plays on the professional's role in creating keys.
- "Security expert with keys" provides a more straightforward approach, while "Master of locks and keys" hints at the advanced skill level many locksmiths achieve.
- Understanding these variations helps build your crossword-solving vocabulary and pattern recognition skills.
Tips for Solving Similar Crossword Clues
- When facing occupation-based crossword clues, look for double meanings in the phrasing. Words like "key," "saw," "hammer," or "drill" often indicate both a tool and a characteristic of the profession.
- Check the letter count immediately to eliminate unlikely candidates, and consider both literal and figurative interpretations of the clue.
- Building familiarity with common nine-letter professions expands your solving capabilities across multiple puzzles.
Key worker (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other possible answers besides LOCKSMITH for "Key worker (9)"?
No, LOCKSMITH is the definitive answer for this specific clue with a nine-letter requirement. The wordplay and letter count make it uniquely suited to this crossword entry.
Q: What makes this a cryptic or clever crossword clue?
The clue uses "key" in its literal sense (someone who works with keys) rather than the colloquial meaning of "essential." This double meaning creates the satisfying puzzle-solving moment when the answer clicks.
Q: How can I get better at solving occupation-based crossword clues?
Focus on recognizing tool-to-profession relationships and maintain awareness of letter counts. Practice identifying double meanings in seemingly straightforward clues, and build your vocabulary of professions sorted by character length.
Q: Do locksmiths actually make keys as their primary job?
While key duplication is one service locksmiths provide, their work encompasses a much broader range of security services including lock installation, emergency lockout assistance, rekeying, and security system consultation.
