Like a sheet of glass (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: SMOOTH
Understanding the Clue
- The phrase "like a sheet of glass" evokes the characteristic texture and appearance of glass surfaces.
- When we think of glass, we immediately picture something with a flawless, polished surface that's completely smooth to the touch.
- This crossword clue relies on this common comparison to lead solvers to the word SMOOTH, which captures both the tactile and visual qualities of glass.
- Glass sheets are manufactured to have uniform surfaces without bumps, ridges, or texture variations.
- This makes them the perfect metaphor for smoothness in everyday language.
- You'll often hear people describe calm water, polished wood, or even someone's complexion as "smooth as glass" - this crossword clue taps into that familiar expression.
Why SMOOTH Fits Perfectly
- The answer SMOOTH works on multiple levels. First, it literally describes the physical property of glass - its surface lacks friction and irregularities.
- Second, the word length matches exactly at 6 letters (S-M-O-O-T-H). Third, this type of descriptive clue is common in crosswords, where solvers need to identify the quality being described rather than finding a direct synonym.
- SMOOTH is a versatile word in crosswords because it intersects well with other words and appears frequently across different puzzle difficulty levels.
- Experienced solvers recognize "like glass" constructions immediately as ponting toward surface texture descriptors.
Tips for Solving Texture-Based Clues
- Look for simile structures - When you see "like a" or "as a" in clues, they're usually asking you to identify the shared quality between two things.
- Consider multiple meanings - Words like SMOOTH have various definitions: texture (smooth surface), manner (smooth talker), process (smooth transition), or taste (smooth whiskey).
- Count your letters first - The number in parentheses tells you exactly how many letters you need. With 6 letters here, you can eliminate shorter options like "flat" or "even."
- Use crossing letters - If you've solved intersecting clues, use those letters as anchors. SMOOTH contains common letters (S, M, O, H, T) that appear frequently in English words.
- Think literally and figuratively - Glass-related clues can be about actual glass properties or use glass metaphorically to describe other smooth things.
Like a sheet of glass (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:What does the number (6) mean in the clue?
The number indicates how many letters are in the answer. In this case, SMOOTH has exactly 6 letters.
Q:Are there other possible answers for this clue?
While SMOOTH is the most common answer, depending on crossing letters and puzzle context, alternatives might include "GLOSSY" (6 letters) though it's less common for this specific wording.
Q:Why do crosswords use comparisons like "like a sheet of glass"?
Descriptive clues test vocabulary and lateral thinking. They require solvers to identify the characteristic being compared rather than finding direct synonyms, making puzzles more challenging and interesting.
Q:How can I get better at solving descriptive clues?
Build your vocabulary of adjectives, practice recognizing common crossword patterns, and familiarize yourself with frequently used comparisons. Reading the answers and explanations helps you recognize similar clue constructions in future puzzles.
Q:Is this clue considered easy or difficult?
This is generally a medium-difficulty clue. The simile is straightforward enough for most solvers to understand, but it requires making the mental connection between glass's properties and the word SMOOTH.
