Made a fishtail perhaps (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: BRAIDED
Understanding the Wordplay
- The clue works on multiple levels. A fishtail braid is literally made by braiding hair in a specific technique that creates a textured, woven pattern.
- When you braid anything - hair, rope, or fabric - you're interweaving three or more strands together.
- The fishtail style is particularly distinctive, involving splitting hair into two sections and crossing small pieces from each side, creating that characteristic fish scale appearance.
Related Crossword Connections
- Braiding appears in crosswords through various clues: plaited hair, woven strands, interlaced patterns, or twisted rope.
- Alternative answers for similar clues might include PLAITED (also 7 letters), though BRAIDED remains the most common solution.
- The word connects to textile crafts, hair styling, and rope-making contexts.
Quick Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for definition + example pattern - "Made" is your definition, "a fishtail" is your example of something braided
- Consider beauty and fashion terms - Hairstyle references frequently appear in modern crosswords
- Think about craft techniques - Braiding, weaving, knitting, and plaiting are common puzzle themes
- Watch for "perhaps" markers - This word signals loose or metaphorical connections in cryptic clues
- Count your letters first - The (7) tells you exactly how many letters you need
Made a fishtail perhaps (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between BRAIDED and PLAITED?
A: Both mean woven strands, but BRAIDED is more common in American English while PLAITED is preferred in British English. In crosswords, letter count and crossing letters determine which answer fits.
Q: Are fishtail braids actually braided?
A: Yes! A fishtail braid uses a two-strand technique rather than the traditional three-strand method, but it's still considered a type of braiding where hair sections are interwoven.
Q: How do I know when a cryptic clue refers to hairstyles?
A: Look for words like "style," "locks," "tresses," or specific hairstyle names. Fashion and beauty terms have become increasingly common in modern crossword puzzles.
Q: What does "made" indicate in this clue?
A: "Made" serves as the definition part of the cryptic clue, meaning "created" or "formed" - and a fishtail is formed/created by braiding.
Q: Could this clue have other answers?
A: With seven letters and the fishtail reference, BRAIDED is the definitive answer. PLAITED would also be seven letters but less directly connected to the specific fishtail style.
