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Slippery deceitful person (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: SNAKE
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Slippery Deceitful Person
- The answer to "slippery deceitful person (5)" is SNAKE.
- This crossword clue uses a common metaphorical expression where a snake represents someone who is untrustworthy, cunning, or treacherous in their behavior.
Why SNAKE Is the Perfect Answer
- In crossword puzzles and everyday language, calling someone a "snake" immediately conveys the idea of a slippery, deceitful person who cannot be trusted.
- The term works perfectly because snakes are physically slippery creatures that move in unpredictable ways, which mirrors how a dishonest person operates sliding around the truth and being difficult to pin down.
- The five-letter constraint matches perfectly with SNAKE, making it an ideal crossword solution.
- This clue combines both the literal physical characteristic (slippery) with the figurative personality trait (deceitful), creating a wordplay that crossword enthusiasts recognize instantly.
Tips for Solving Similar Crossword Clues
- Look for metaphorical language: When clues describe personality traits using physical characteristics like "slippery," think about animals or objects commonly associated with those traits.
- Count the letters first: The number in parentheses (5) immediately narrows your options. SNAKE fits perfectly while similar words like "deceiver" or "liar" don't match.
- Consider multiple meanings: "Slippery" works both literally (how snakes move) and figuratively (evasive behavior), which is typical of clever crossword construction.
- Think of common idioms: Phrases like "snake in the grass" make SNAKE a natural answer for deception-related clues.
- Use crossing letters: If you're stuck, solve intersecting clues first. Even one or two letters can confirm SNAKE as your answer.
Slippery deceitful person (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other five-letter words meaning deceitful person?
A: While "cheat," "crook," or "fraud" exist, none capture the "slippery" aspect as perfectly as SNAKE. The physical imagery makes it the strongest match.
Q: Why is snake used as slang for a deceitful person?
A: The association comes from snakes' stealthy movement, their ability to strike unexpectedly, and cultural symbolism from stories like the Garden of Eden where the serpent represented temptation and deception.
Q: Could this clue have alternative answers?
A: In standard crossword puzzles, SNAKE is the most common answer. Context from crossing words will always confirm if this is correct for your specific puzzle.
Q: How common is this type of clue in crosswords?
A: Very common. Animal metaphors for human characteristics appear frequently because they're concise, colorful, and widely understood by solvers of all skill levels.
