What the clue is asking
The clue clasp another person in the arms describes the verb phrase hug someone: to hold another person closely in your arms. In crosswords, this everyday action is concise, concrete, and commonly tested across difficulty levels. Solvers need a short word meaning "hold tightly with the arms," and the standard answer is HUG. Less common or longer options may appear when the fill requires more letters, but HUG remains the most frequent and reliable solution.
Standard answer length: 3 letters (HUG)
In most quick puzzles and general clues, HUG fits neatly into compact grids. It matches the meaning exactly: to clasp another person in the arms. This three-letter word is widely recognized, easy to confirm through checker patterns, and often appears as the default solution for this clue. Because it’s short and precise, constructors frequently choose HUG for mid‑ or边缘 crossings where every square matters.
Why HUG fits the clue
- Concise: Three letters suit typical crossword economy.
- Common: Used across American, British, and international puzzles.
- Precise: Directly means clasp another person in the arms.
Longer alternatives when the grid demands more letters
Occasionally the clue expects a longer entry. In those cases, solvers may see answers such as EMBRACE (seven letters) or HOLDUP in very specific play. These are context-sensitive and less frequent, but they preserve the sense of holding someone closely.
Compare longer options
| Answer | Letters | When it appears |
|---|---|---|
| HUG | 3 | Most common for “clasp another person in the arms” |
| EMBRACE | 7 | Longer synonym used in themed puzzles or longer fills |
How to confirm the answer in puzzles
Use crossing words and checked letters to verify. If a 3‑letter word fits and the definition matches, HUG is likely correct. For longer entries, check that the surrounding answers and theme constraints allow a 7‑letter solution like EMBRACE. Consider standard dictionary definitions: to clasp in the arms is to hug, reinforcing HUG as the baseline answer.
Quick reference summary
- Clue: clasp another person in the arms
- Primary answer: HUG
- Common length: 3 letters
- Alternative: EMBRACE (7 letters) for longer fills
Evergreen notes for solvers and constructors
This clue is stable across years and puzzle types. Because its phrasing clearly describes a familiar action, solvers can rely on HUG as the default response. Constructors value it for flexibility: it works in tight spots and pairs well with related terms like HOLD, CUDDLE, or KISS in crossword vocabulary. No major shifts in usage or regional preferences have been observed.