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Repaired jeans perhaps (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: PATCHED
Understanding the Clue
- PATCHED fits naturally when solvers encounter clues about mending or fixing clothing, especially denim jeans.
- The word refers to the common repair method of sewing or attaching a patch (a piece of fabric) over a torn or worn area to reinforce and cover the damage.
- "Perhaps" adds a gentle hint of example or possibility, often used in crosswords to indicate a typical or illustrative case rather than a strict definition.
- Crossword constructors favor PATCHED because it's a straightforward, everyday term tied to visible repairs, especially in casual wear like jeans.
- The seven-letter constraint narrows possibilities significantly, making PATCHED the definitive answer among clothing repair descriptors.
Why PATCHED Works for This Clue
- Repair accuracy: Patching is a classic, low-cost way to fix holes or tears in jeans, preserving the garment while often adding character (e.g., visible patches on knees).
- Visible mending: It implies a noticeable fix, distinguishing it from invisible techniques like darning or professional tailoring.
- Widespread usage: The term appears frequently in fashion ("patched jeans" as a style), DIY guides, and discussions of sustainable clothing repair.
- Contextual flexibility: Applies to jeans, jackets, or any fabric needing reinforcement, but "jeans" evokes the rugged, patch-heavy aesthetic.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Pattern Recognition Strategy: When you see clothing repair clues with seven letters, especially involving "jeans" or "mended," consider past-participle forms ending in -ED, as these often describe completed repair actions.
- Letter Placement: If you have crossing letters, prioritize filling in PATCHED's distinctive letters - the opening P or the TCH cluster, which limits alternatives quickly.
- Context Reading: Pay attention to the puzzle's overall theme. Fashion, sewing, or DIY-themed puzzles heavily favor PATCHED, while vintage clothing ones might pair it with "distressed" or "ripped" clues.
- Synonym Expansion: Build mental categories for "repaired clothing" words by letter count - five letters (SEWED, MENDS), six letters (DARNED), seven letters (PATCHED, STITCHED), eight letters (RESEWED) - to speed up solving across garment-themed puzzles.
- Cross-Reference Method: Don't solve in isolation. Use perpendicular answers to confirm middle letters (A-T-C-H) which are key to distinguishing from similar words like "mended" or "seamed."
Repaired jeans perhaps (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Could "MENDED" also fit this clue?
A: MENDED has six letters and means repaired generally, but PATCHED (seven letters) is more specific to the visible fabric-piece method common on jeans.
Q: Are there alternatives if the letter count differs?
A: For six letters, try "DARNED" or "SEWNUP"; for eight letters, "REPAIRED" might appear. Always verify the exact letter count specified in parentheses.
Q: How do I distinguish between similar repair clues?
A: "Repaired jeans perhaps" specifically wants the patching method (PATCHED), while "Fixed a hole" might seek "DARNED," and "Sewed again" could point to "RESTITCHED."
Q: Does PATCHED ever mean something else in crosswords?
A: Yes - occasionally clues reference "Uneven" or "Spotty" (as in patched together haphazardly) or software ("patched update"). Context with "jeans" or "repaired" clarifies the clothing meaning.
Q: What's the difficulty level of this clue?
A: This rates as beginner to intermediate difficulty. The everyday repair concept makes it accessible, though the "perhaps" softener might lead newer solvers to broader terms before arriving at PATCHED.
