solve a puzzle

Meaning

To find the correct answer or solution to a game, toy, or problem that requires thought and effort. It is commonly used for crosswords, jigsaws, riddles, or logic games, and carries a satisfying, intellectually engaging tone.

Examples

• I love to sit down with a cup of coffee on Sunday mornings and solve a puzzle.

  I love to sit down with a cup of coffee on Sunday mornings and solve a puzzle.

• It took us over three hours to solve the 1,000-piece puzzle we bought yesterday.

  It took us over three hours to solve the 1,000-piece puzzle we bought yesterday.

• Escape rooms are fun because you have to solve a puzzle to get out of each room.

  Escape rooms are fun because you have to solve a puzzle to get out of each room.

• She managed to solve the puzzle in record time, surprising everyone.

  She managed to solve the puzzle in record time, surprising everyone.

• Can you help me solve this crossword puzzle? I'm completely stuck on five across.

  Can you help me solve this crossword puzzle? I'm completely stuck on five across.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to make a puzzle before I go to bed.

  ✓ I need to solve a puzzle before I go to bed.

  Using 'make' implies creating the puzzle from scratch. If you are completing a puzzle that already exists, the correct verb is 'solve'.

• ✗ He finally opened the puzzle after thinking for an hour.

  ✓ He finally solved the puzzle after thinking for an hour.

  While you can open a physical puzzle box, completing it or finding the answer is always expressed as 'solving' the puzzle.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I spent the whole evening trying to ___ in the local newspaper.

  💡 Find the answer to a game or riddle.

  Show answer

  solve a puzzle

• It feels so satisfying when you finally ___ that has been bothering you all day.

  💡 Complete or find the solution to a mental challenge.

  Show answer

  solve a puzzle