Moves by small degrees (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: INCHES
Understanding "Moves by Small Degrees"
- Inches is the answer to this crossword clue because the word perfectly captures gradual, incremental movement.
- When something "inches forward" or "inches along," it moves by very small degrees or distances, progressing slowly and carefully.
- The clue uses both the literal measurement sense (an inch being a small unit) and the verb form meaning to move gradually.
- The beauty of this clue lies in its dual meaning - "inches" functions as both a noun (units of measurement representing small degrees) and a verb (the act of moving slowly).
- In crossword puzzles, this type of wordplay is common, where the answer describes its own action.
Why This Clue Works
- This cryptic definition relies on understanding that movement by small degrees requires gradual progression.
- Whether you're inching toward a goal, inching along in traffic, or physically moving inch by inch, the concept remains consistent.
- The six-letter constraint perfectly accommodates this common English word that everyone recognizes but might not immediately connect to "degrees" of movement.
Quick Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for measurement-related words when you see "degrees" or "small amounts"
- Consider verb forms of common nouns - many measurement words double as action words
- Think about gradual movement terms like crawl, creep, edge, or inch
- Count the letters - six letters immediately suggests common words ending in 'ES' or 'ED'
- Watch for literal interpretations - sometimes the simplest answer is correct
Moves by small degrees (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is "inches" associated with small movement?
The term comes from the physical measurement - an inch is one of the smallest common units of length. This naturally extended to describe any small, gradual movement.
Q: Are there other crossword answers for similar clues?
Yes! Depending on letter count, alternatives might include "edges" (5), "creeps" (6), or "nudges" (6).
Q: How do I recognize verb-form measurement clues?
Look for action words in the clue like "moves," "advances," or "progresses" combined with size indicators like "small" or "slight."
