Wild animal's lair (3) Crossword Clue
Answer: DEN (3 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Wild animal's lair" with 3 letters is "DEN".A den is a wild animal's lair or shelter, often a secluded or hidden space where the animal sleeps, rests, or gives birth. It provides safety and protection for the animal, away from predators and the harsh environment.
Why “Den” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (3 letters) meaning “wild animal’s lair.” The answer, DEN, fits exactly:
- Wild animal’s lair: A den is the shelter or hiding place of a wild animal, such as a fox, bear, or lion.
- Direct match: With 3 letters, den matches the clue’s enumeration perfectly.
- Precise meaning: It is the standard word in English for an animal’s lair, making it the natural choice for the clue.
The term den is used both literally and figuratively in English:
- Origin and usage: From Old English denn, meaning “cave” or “lair.” Originally associated with wild animals, especially predatory ones.
- Literal use: Refers to natural shelters like caves or burrows where animals live or retreat.
- Extended meaning: Figuratively, it can describe a secretive human retreat or even a place of vice (e.g., “den of thieves”).
Examples: “The fox returned to its den,” or “He worked late into the night in his den.”
- Quick crossword clues like “wild animal’s lair (3)” often rely on simple, common vocabulary:
- Other possible answers like cave (4) or set (3, for badgers) may arise, but den is the most universal and widely recognized synonym for “lair.”
- The short 3-letter enumeration significantly narrows the options, and den is the archetypal answer.
