Working with wire, maybe (9) 7 Little Words
Answer: SOLDERING (9 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Working with wire, maybe" with 9 letters is "SOLDERING". Soldering is the process of joining two or more metal components by melting a filler metal (solder) around the joints, typically using heat. This technique is commonly used in electronics and metalworking, often involving the manipulation of wire or other conductive materials. The "maybe" in the clue suggests it's one possible activity associated with working with wire.
Why “Soldering” Fits
The clue points toward a 9-letter activity associated with working with wire. The correct solution is SOLDERING.
- Practical sense: soldering involves using heat to join wires or metal parts together by melting a filler material (solder).
- “Maybe” in the clue: signals that soldering is one example of working with wire — not the only possible activity, but a fitting one of the right length.
This makes “soldering” the perfect solution, neatly tying the surface meaning (wiring/electronics work) with the crossword requirement.
Soldering is an ancient technique, dating back over 4,000 years. It was first used in Mesopotamia to join gold and silver for jewelry. Today, it’s essential in electronics, plumbing, and electrical work — essentially anywhere wires and metal components must be firmly joined without fusing the base materials themselves.
This wide reach explains why crossword makers often use “soldering” in clues about wires, circuits, or metalwork.
- When you see crossword clues like “Working with wire, maybe”:
- The “maybe” tells you to think of an example of the activity, not a definition.
- Focus on specialized tasks (joinery, electrical work, metal finishing) where “wire” is central.
- Matching the letter count (9) seals the deal: SOLDERING.
Today's 7 Little Words Answers August 21 2025
| Prepares a tough steak | TENDERIZES |
| Down in the dumps | DISCOURAGED |
| Lightweight paper | TISSUE |
| Unable to adapt | RIGID |
| "planet" of the b-52's | CLAIRE |
| At rest, in a way | INERT |
| Teller of dad jokes | PUNSTER |
| Second-place metal | SILVER |
| Lighter-than-air ship | BLIMP |
| Sensational magazine article | EXPOSE |
| Sounded hoarse | CROAKED |
| Surgical cuts | INCISIONS |
| School counselor offering | GUIDANCE |
| Very thorough | EXHAUSTIVE |
| Relinquishments | WAIVERS |
| Meddles (in) | INTERVENES |
| Took a gander | LOOKED |
| Slakes, as a thirst | QUENCHES |
| Oscar winner leto | JARED |
| Blanket material | SNOW |
| Intent | FOCUSED |
| Playground structure | SLIDE |
| Sets aside | RESERVES |
| Tennis' nadal, to fans | RAFA |
| Painter manet | EDOUARD |
| Manage | OVERSEE |
| Females in fingal, maybe | IRISHWOMEN |
| Strip featuring b.d. | DOONESBURY |
| Working with wire, maybe | SOLDERING |
| Chopin specialty | NOCTURNE |
| Merchant ship | ARGOSY |
| Market all over again | REINTRODUCE |
| Word before "fortitude" | INTESTINAL |
| Gene, the terpsichorean | KELLY |
| Like public records | VIEWABLE |
