Secretly act together (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: COLLUDE
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Secretly Act Together
- When you encounter the clue "secretly act together" in your crossword puzzle, the answer COLLUDE (7 letters) is what solvers are looking for.
- This word perfectly captures the essence of cooperating in a secretive or deceitful manner, typically for an illicit or fraudulent purpose.
What Does COLLUDE Mean?
- To collude means to secretly act together with others to achieve something dishonest, illegal, or deceitful.
- The term carries a negative connotation, implying conspiracy or cooperation for wrongful purposes.
- People who collude are working in tandem behind the scenes, often to deceive others or gain an unfair advantage.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for secret/hidden indicators: Words like "secretly," "covertly," or "behind closed doors" often signal collusion-type answers.
- Count your letters first: Always verify the letter count matches before committing to an answer.
- Consider the context: Legal, business, or political themed puzzles frequently use words related to conspiracy and secret cooperation.
- Check crossing words: Use intersecting answers to confirm your solution, especially the double-L pattern in COLLUDE.
- Think about synonyms: If COLLUDE doesn't fit, consider similar words like conspire (8 letters) or plot (4 letters).
Secretly act together (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between collaborate and collude?
A: Collaborate is neutral or positive cooperation, while collude specifically means secret cooperation for dishonest or illegal purposes.
Q: Can collude be used in a positive context?
A: Rarely. The word almost always implies wrongdoing, deception, or illegal activity.
Q: What are other 7-letter words meaning secret cooperation?
A: Consider CONNIVE, CONSORT, or COMBINE, though COLLUDE is the most precise match for this clue.
Q: How common is this clue in crosswords?
A: Very common. The definition-style clue and perfect 7-letter length make it a crossword constructor favorite.
Q: What's the origin of the word collude?
A: It comes from Latin "colludere," meaning "to play together" - combining "col-" (together) and "ludere" (to play).
