Solving crossword puzzles is one of the most interesting games that will keep you busy for a long time. This game is not only fun but also productive. It will give your brain the perfect workout to keep it sharp and healthy. The most challenging part of this game is when you come across some tricky crossword clues that are hard to solve. Crossword clues are important guidance or hints to help you find the correct answer. However, they are often hard and tricky and will give you a hard time. If you haven’t come across that type of clue yet, here is your chance to learn more. For example, the crossword clue “Nomadic Army” gave puzzle solvers a difficult time. Take a look at how to solve this clue applying the perfect strategy to level up your future crossword games.
Breaking Down the Crossword Clue
In the first step of solving a crossword clue, you need to break down the clue first. You need to read the clue carefully and understand what it is trying to convey. You also need to find out if there is any wordplay or hidden meaning behind it. The clue “Nomadic Army” is pretty simple. However, the answer may not be as simple as the clue may seem. A nomadic army usually means a group of nomadic people who are ready to fight at any time. We have to find the proper term for this group. Other than that, there is no hidden meaning or wordplay in this particular clue. As long as we find some proper terms for a nomadic group of people, we can be closer to the correct answer. However, searching for the answer to this clue can take a little bit of work considering the different types of nomadic people and armies. It would be beneficial if we get familiar with different types of nomadic groups first.
A Quick Look at Nomadic Army Types
There are different types of Nomadic armies based on their geographical location. Let’s get to know what each group is called. Maybe we can find the answer in those terms.
Nomadic Army from the Desert
Desert Nomads are often known as Bedouins and Tuaregs. They are comfortable with the harsh and dry weather of the deserts and use camels as their transporting system. The war tactic of the desert nomadic army is mainly the guerrilla style. They ambush their enemies and disappear with them in the vast desert. You can try out the words “BEDOUINS” or “TUAREGS” if you have an 8-letter or a 7-letter gap in your puzzle grid.
Nomads from the Mountain Region
Mountain nomads are good at defending themselves in the fight. They take advantage of the rough and rugged terrain of hilly areas. They are good at climbing and also used to the harsh weather of mountain regions. Berbers and Kurds are the examples of the nomadic groups from the mountain. You can also try out these terms in your puzzle grid to see if they fit in the letter gap provided.
Nomadic Groups from the Sea
You can guess from the location that the Sea Nomadic armies are extremely skilled in maritime warfare. Sea nomads are also popular for their trading tactics and for exploring new territories. Some examples of sea nomadic groups include Sea Gypsys and Vikings. Since Sea Gypsy is a two-word phrase, you can try out the term “VIKINGS” when you have the crossword clue “Nomadic Army”.
Nomads from the Steppe Area
The Steppe area is a vast grassland mainly located in Siberia or the South-Eastern Europe. Steppe nomads are skilful horse riders who can travel long distances very quickly. Their skill in fighting is extraordinary. They not only can fight from the horseback, but they are also good archers. Huns, Scythians, and Mongols are examples of popular Steppe nomads. So, you can also try out these terms in your puzzle grid to see if they fit the letter gap and match the other clues.
Possible Answers for the Clue “Nomadic Army”
The terms we have found until now, mainly denote the types of nomadic people based on specific geographical areas. However, some generic terms can mean an army of nomadic people. Let’s take a look at these terms.
- HORDE: This is the most appropriate word for the clue “Nomadic Army” considering the meaning and etymology. The word “horde” came from the Turkic-Mongol term ‘Ordu” which translates to army or army camp. The word “horde” means a moving crowd, which also represents a moving army. In case you have a 5-letter gap in your puzzle grid, you can try this word to see if it fits.
- TROOP: The word true is also close in meaning to the phrase “Nomadic Army”. Troops are mainly the armed forces led by a commander. It can also mean a group of people who are together for a specific job. As it has a similar meaning you can also try this word in case of a 5-letter gap.
- BAND: A band is a group of people with the same interests. It can also be a community under the same authority. In that sense, a group of nomadic armies can also be referred to as a band. So, if you have a 4-letter gap in the puzzle grid, “BAND” can be the correct answer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the correct answer to the crossword clue “Nomadic Army”?
Considering the gap provided most of the time in the NYT crossword puzzle, the correct answer should be “HORDE”. This phrase matches the clue very well. However, the other possible answer can be “BAND”, ‘BEDUOINS”, “VIKINGS”, “HUNS”, “SCYTHIANS”, “MONGOLS” and others.
What is a go-to tip for solving difficult crossword clues?
The most convenient way is to solve the fill-in-the-blank clues first. These are the easiest to solve and help you reveal some letters for the tougher clues. You will have a context and a broader area to play with.