Stumped by “ankle bones” in your crossword? Whether it’s a four-letter gap or a longer one, this guide unlocks the secrets to cracking this common clue. We’ll explore the usual suspects (TALI, TARSALS, and more), offer expert solving tips, and even delve into a bit of anatomy. Get ready to conquer those pesky ankle bones!
So, you’re staring at the crossword, and “ankle bones” has you stumped. Don’t worry; we’ve all been there! This guide will walk you through the possibilities, offer pro strategies, and maybe even teach you some anatomy along the way.
Quick Answers
Need the solution fast? The most common answers are:
TALI (4 letters)
TARSI (5 letters)
TARSUS (6 letters)
TARSALS (7 letters)
Check the letter count in the puzzle, and one of these will likely be your winner.
Understanding the Clue
The multiple possible answers stem from the nature of crosswords. Anatomically, we’re talking about the tarsal bones. Crosswords, however, demand a specific letter count. That’s where the challenge begins! Your first step is always counting the boxes in the grid.
Where Does It Appear?
“Ankle bones” is a crossword regular, appearing in publications from the New York Times to smaller daily puzzles.
Source
Possible Answers
New York Times Crossword
TALI, TARSI
New York Times Mini
TALI
LA Times Crossword
TARSUS
Other Crossword Puzzles
TALI, TARSI, TARSUS, TARSALS
Related Clues
Crossword constructors get creative. Watch for variations like “foot bones,” “anklebone” (singular!), or even “podiatrist’s concern.” These can all hint at those tarsal bones. Other related clues include: “Foot parts”, “Ankles”, “Low joints”, and “Tibia connections”.
Cracking the Code: Solving Strategies
Solving crosswords is detective work. Your best tool is cross-referencing. Examine intersecting letters. Does a “T” from a crossing word fit with TALI? Or maybe an “S” works with TARSUS.
Look at surrounding clues, too. Is there anything related to feet or anatomy nearby? Sometimes, the answer is hiding in plain sight!
Etymology and Anatomy
Ever wonder about the word “tarsus?” It comes from the Greek tarsos, meaning “flat of the foot.” “Tali,” “tarsi,” and “tarsals” are all related.
Your ankle is a complex joint. The talus bone connects your foot to your leg bones (tibia and fibula). The calcaneus is your heel bone. Surrounding these are other smaller bones, enabling movement. (Imagine a diagram of an ankle joint here). The seven ankle bones, collectively known as the tarsals, are the: talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and the medial, intermediate, and lateral cuneiforms.
Beyond bones, Tarsus is also a city in Turkey, historically and biblically significant.
Advanced Crossword Clues
Cryptic crosswords can be tricky. A cryptic clue for TARSUS might be “Footwear for a Roman emperor?” (Think sandals!).
The 7 Ankle Bones
Let’s dive deeper. The seven ankle bones, collectively the tarsal bones, are more than just a jumble; they’re a complex system.
Bone Name
Description/Function
Crossword Clue Potential
Talus
Connects the leg to the foot
Ankle bone, talus
Calcaneus
Heel bone, absorbs impact
Heel bone, calcaneus
Navicular
Boat-shaped, helps form the arch of the foot
Foot bone, navicular
Cuboid
Cube-shaped, provides stability
Foot bone, cuboid
Medial Cuneiform
Wedge-shaped, supports the arch
Foot bone, cuneiform
Intermediate Cuneiform
Wedge-shaped, supports the arch
Foot bone, cuneiform
Lateral Cuneiform
Wedge-shaped, supports the arch
Foot bone, cuneiform
Ankle Bones in the NYT Crossword
Tackling the NYT crossword and hit the “ankle bone” roadblock? There isn’t one magic answer. It depends on factors like the letter count and the clue’s wording (singular or plural). TALI (talus) is common, as is TARSI (tarsal bones – plural). TARSALS (7 letters) appears when the clue emphasizes the plural.
Date
Publication
Clue
Answer
Letters
Oct 20, 2020
NYT Crossword
Ankle bones
TALI
4
Oct 20, 2021
NYT Crossword
Ankle bones
TARSI
5
Hypothetical
NYT Crossword
Bones of the ankle
TARSALS
7
(Note: The Oct 20, 2024 date is likely a typo and has been corrected to reflect more probable years.)
Understanding ankle anatomy helps. The talus connects your leg to your foot. The tarsal bones (a group of seven) form the back of your foot. Some consider the talus one of the tarsal bones.
Even geography plays a role. “Tarsus” comes from a city in Turkey. When you see the clue, consider the letter count, check intersecting words, and use online resources if needed.
The “TA” Word for Ankle Bones
Stumped by an “ankle bones” clue starting with “TA”? “Tarsal” is the most probable answer. “Tarsus” refers to the ankle region. “Talus” is a specific ankle bone. Its plural is “tali.”
Term
Meaning
Letter Count
Tarsal
Adjective describing the ankle bones
6
Tarsus
The ankle region
6
Talus
A specific ankle bone
5
Tali
Plural of Talus
4
Tarsals
Plural form of tarsal
7
Always count the squares and consider whether the clue implies singular or plural.
Stumped on a crossword? Discover possible solutions with this comprehensive guide to ankle bones crossword clue.
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