Puts in a cold-water bath (8) Crossword Clue
Answer: SHOCKS
The crossword clue Puts in a cold-water bath (8) has the answer SHOCKS. SHOCKS fits because in cooking, to shock vegetables means to plunge them into an ice-cold water bath right after blanching, which “puts” them into cold water to halt cooking, set color, and preserve texture. The clue is a straight definition in the third-person present tense (“puts” → “shocks”).
Understanding the Crossword Clue "Puts in a Cold-Water Bath (6)"
SHOCKS is the six-letter answer to this crossword clue, referring to the medical practice of immersing someone in cold water as a form of treatment or revival technique. This clue demonstrates how crossword puzzles often use medical or therapeutic terminology in their wordplay.The connection between cold-water baths and "shocks" stems from both the physical sensation and historical medical applications. When someone is suddenly immersed in cold water, their body experiences an immediate physiological response - a shock to the system that can be both startling and potentially therapeutic.
Related Crossword Variations
Similar clues might include "Cold treatment reactions," "Ice bath responses," or "Sudden temperature change effects." Crossword constructors often create variations on therapeutic terminology, making medical vocabulary a common theme in puzzle design.
Tips for Solving Similar Medical Clues
When encountering healthcare-related crossword clues, consider both literal medical procedures and colloquial expressions. The word "shocks" bridges technical medical language with everyday understanding, making it an ideal crossword answer that satisfies multiple interpretation levels.
Puts in a cold-water bath (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why do chefs use cold-water baths after cooking?
A: Cold-water shocking immediately halts the cooking process, preventing overcooking and maintaining optimal texture and color in vegetables and other foods.
Q: Are there other six-letter words meaning "puts in cold water"?
A: While SHOCKS is the most common crossword answer, alternatives like "chills" or "cools" might appear in different puzzle contexts.
Q: How common is this type of clue in crosswords?
A: Cooking-method clues appear regularly in puzzles, as they combine practical knowledge with wordplay opportunities that appeal to broad solver demographics.
