Margin of a very narrow win (4) - Crossword Clue
Answer: NOSE
Understanding "Margin of a Very Narrow Win (4)" - The Answer is NOSE
- The crossword clue "Margin of a very narrow win (4)" leads to the answer NOSE, a perfect example of how crossword puzzles use everyday phrases in clever ways.
- This four-letter solution comes from the common expression "win by a nose," which describes an extremely close victory where the winner edges ahead by the smallest possible margin.
- In competitive contexts, particularly horse racing, winning by a nose means the victor crossed the finish line just barely ahead of their closest competitor.
- The phrase has become so ingrained in English that it's now used metaphorically across sports, elections, business deals, and any situation involving a narrow triumph.
Common Variations of This Crossword Clue
- Crossword constructors often rephrase this clue in creative ways while maintaining the same answer.
- You might encounter variations such as "Narrow margin of victory," "Closest possible win," "Photo finish measurement," or "Barely ahead distance."
- Each version hints at the same idiomatic expression but approaches it from a slightly different angle.
Strategic Tips for Solving Similar Competition-Related Clues
- When you encounter clues about narrow margins or close competitions, start by brainstorming racing terminology and sports idioms.
- Words like EDGE, HAIR (as in "by a hair"), and NOSE frequently appear as answers to these types of clues.
- Pay attention to the letter count provided—it's your most concrete constraint and often eliminates most alternatives immediately.
- Consider the crossing letters you've already filled in from intersecting answers.
- Even one or two confirmed letters can dramatically narrow your options and help you choose between similar possibilities.
- If you're stuck, move on to other clues and return later; sometimes filling in surrounding answers provides the letter patterns needed to trigger recognition of the correct phrase or idiom.
Margin of a very narrow win (4) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:What other racing terms appear commonly in crosswords?
Racing vocabulary pervades crossword puzzles, with terms like TOTE (betting system), FURLONG (race distance measurement), ODDS, DERBY, TRACK, and GATE appearing regularly. Understanding horse racing terminology provides a significant advantage for consistent solving success.
Q:Are there other body parts used in winning expressions?
Yes, several body parts feature in competitive idioms: "hands down" (easy victory), "head and shoulders above" (clearly superior), and "neck and neck" (tied or even). These phrases translate into frequent crossword answers, making anatomical vocabulary particularly valuable.
Q:How can I improve at solving idiomatic clues?
Read widely to absorb common expressions naturally, pay attention to phrases used in sports commentary, and review completed puzzles to understand how constructors think. Creating flashcards of common idioms and their crossword clue formulations helps cement these patterns in your memory for rapid recall during solving.
Q:Do British and American crosswords treat this clue differently?
While the phrase "win by a nose" appears in both British and American English, cryptic crosswords popular in the UK might present this answer through more complex wordplay involving anagrams, hidden words, or double definitions rather than the straightforward definitional approach common in American-style puzzles.
