"lower digits" (4) - Crossword Clue
Answer: TOES
Understanding Toes: Function and Anatomy
- Your toes play a crucial role in locomotion and balance. Each foot typically has five toes: the hallux (big toe), second toe, third toe, fourth toe, and pinky toe.
- The big toe bears approximately 40% of your body weight during walking and provides the primary push-off force.
- The smaller toes help with balance and lateral stability, especially on uneven surfaces.
Why This Answer Works
- The clue uses wordplay common in cryptic crosswords. "Digits" can mean numerical figures (0-9) or the anatomical term for fingers and toes.
- The modifier "lower" narrows it down to the digits on the lower extremities of your body - your feet. This four-letter answer fits perfectly with the enumeration (4).
Quick Tips for Solving "Digit" Clues
- Look for position indicators: Words like "lower," "upper," "hand," or "foot" tell you whether the answer is toes or fingers.
- Consider the letter count: Both TOES (4) and FINGERS (7) are common answers, so enumeration is your first clue.
- Watch for playful language: "Piggies," "little piggies," or "this little piggy" references always mean toes.
- Think anatomically: Medical or anatomical contexts might use terms like "phalanges," but simpler puzzles stick with TOES.
"lower digits" (4) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why are toes called "digits"?
A: "Digit" comes from the Latin "digitus," meaning finger or toe. Anatomically, both fingers and toes are classified as digits because they share similar skeletal structures called phalanges.
Q: Are there other meanings of "lower digits"?
A: In mathematics or computing contexts, "lower digits" might refer to the smaller numbers (0-4), but in crossword puzzles, the anatomical interpretation is most common.
Q: What's the difference between solving cryptic vs. standard crossword clues?
A: Standard clues like this one offer straightforward definitions or synonyms. Cryptic clues would combine wordplay, anagrams, or hidden words with definitions, making them more complex.
