Old or dusty spider's trap (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: COBWEB (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Old or dusty spider's trap" with 6 letters is "COBWEB".Cobweb refers to a spider's web, particularly one that is old, dusty, or abandoned. These webs are often found in corners or unused areas of buildings, where they gather dust over time, symbolizing neglect or decay.
Why "Cobweb" Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning "old or dusty spider's trap." The answer, COBWEB, fits perfectly:
- Old or dusty spider's trap: Cobweb is the common term for a spider’s web that has collected dust and is often found in corners or neglected places—exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With six letters, cobweb fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The word specifically refers to spider webs that are no longer fresh or in active use, and have become associated with age, neglect, or dustiness.
Cobweb is both a literal and figurative word in English, evoking images of age and neglect:
Origin and usage:
- The word combines Middle English coppe (spider) + web (weaving), literally meaning “spider’s web.”
- Historically used to describe any spider web, but now tends more to denote older, unoccupied, and dust-laden webs.
Descriptive context:
- Found in undisturbed areas—attics, basements, behind furniture, abandoned buildings.
- The presence of cobwebs suggests a space that is not frequently used or cleaned.
Examples:
- “The attic was filled with cobwebs and old trunks.”
- “She brushed away a cobweb from the corner.”
- “The abandoned house was thick with cobwebs.”
In quick crosswords like “Old or dusty spider’s trap (6),” clues often blend the literal meaning with visual imagery:
Definition: The clue leads directly to cobweb, as it is the standard term for an old or dusty spider web.
Clue type: Straight synonym—no cryptic or indirect element.
Solving approach:
- Look for concise, visually evocative nouns describing neglected spaces: cobweb, dust, grime—but only cobweb denotes a spider’s trap and matches the enumeration.
Crossword pattern: Words linked to household or natural imagery, especially those signaling neglect, are often used for their clarity and strong associations.
