Chew like a dog with a bone crossword

Crossword Clues - Chewing Like a Dog with a Bone

Crossword puzzles give a pleasant but exacting test of knowledge and vocabulary. A clue that has appeared in recent American quick crosswords is “Chew like a dog with a bone.” We now look at the probable answer to this clue.

Decoding the Crossword Clue

Understanding the Metaphor

The phrase “chew like a dog with a bone” shows a person who holds on to a task or problem with steady force. A dog grips a bone and refuses to release it - in the same way, the person will not let go of the matter until every part of it has been examined.

Finding the Likely Answer

The clue points to the single word “GNAW.” It pictures the steady bite a dog keeps on a bone - it fits the idea of chewing with fixed effort.

What “Gnaw” Means

Plain Definition

“Gnaw” is the verb for biting or chewing on one spot again and again until the surface gives way. Rodents and dogs act this way when they work on hard material.

Everyday Figurative Use

People also use “gnaw” for mental scenes. A worker gnaws on a tough issue - a wronged friend feels the act gnaw at their conscience. The picture stays the same - the mind returns to the point without release.

• Gnawing on a problem - A mind returns to the same hard question and refuses to drop it.
• Gnawing at one's conscience - One act or one decision sits in the mind plus keeps producing guilt.
• Gnawing hunger - Hunger returns after every meal.
• Gnawing doubt - One question keeps coming back and refuses to leave.
• Gnawing anxiety - Worry fixes on one point but also does not lift.

Conclusion - Chewing on the Crossword Clue

The clue “Chew like a dog with a bone” points to the word GNAW. A dog locks its jaws on a bone and refuses to release - the word paints the same picture of refusal. Once the image is clear, the answer stands ready as well as the vocabulary gains one word.