Managed locks (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DETANGLED
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Managed Locks
- DETANGLED is the perfect 9-letter solution for "managed locks" in your crossword puzzle.
- This clue uses wordplay where "locks" refers to hair rather than door mechanisms, and "managed" means to straighten out or untangle those troublesome knots and tangles.
Why DETANGLED Is the Answer
- When you detangle hair, you're actively managing those locks by working through knots, snarls, and matted sections to restore smooth, manageable strands.
- The term perfectly bridges both meanings - the act of managing (organizing, handling) and locks (hair).
- This type of double-meaning clue is common in cryptic and standard crossword puzzles, where setters play with multiple interpretations of common words.
- The word DETANGLED breaks down into DE- (removal prefix) + TANGLED (knotted or twisted), creating a verb that describes the process of removing tangles from hair, rope, or any fibrous material that can become intertwined.
Tips for Solving "Locks" Clues in Crosswords
- Look for double meanings: "Locks" almost always means hair in crossword puzzles, not security devices. Train yourself to think of the less obvious interpretation first.
- Count your letters carefully: The number in parentheses (9) immediately tells you the answer length, helping you eliminate possibilities like "combed" or "brushed."
- Consider verb forms: "Managed" suggests past tense action, so look for -ED endings in your potential answers.
- Think about grooming vocabulary: Expand your mental list of hair-related verbs including teased, braided, trimmed, curled, and straightened for future puzzles.
- Context matters: Check crossing answers to confirm your guess - if you have D_T_N_L_D partially filled, DETANGLED becomes obvious.
Managed locks (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why do crossword setters use "locks" to mean hair?
A: It's a classic example of cryptic misdirection. Setters rely on your first assumption being door locks, making the hair reference a satisfying "aha!" moment when solved.
Q: Are there other meanings of "managed locks" in crosswords?
A: While DETANGLED is the most common 9-letter answer, occasionally "organized" or "administered" might apply if locks referred to canal locks, though this is rare in standard puzzles.
Q: What's the difference between detangled and untangled?
A: They're synonyms, both meaning to remove tangles. DETANGLED emphasizes the active process more, while UNTANGLED can suggest the end state. Both work for crossword purposes.
Q: How common is this clue in crossword puzzles?
A: "Managed locks" or similar variations appear regularly in medium-difficulty puzzles, particularly in UK-style cryptic crosswords where wordplay dominates.
Q: What tools help detangle locks in real life?
A: Wide-tooth combs, detangling brushes, leave-in conditioners, and detangling sprays all help manage difficult locks, though this knowledge won't directly help your crossword!
