across the board crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving tricky crossword clues! If you're stuck on "across the board crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "across the board crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TOTAL: Pertaining to the entirety or sum of something, often without exception.
7 Letters
GENERAL: Applicable to all or most cases; widespread.
OVERALL: Including everything; comprehensive.
8 Letters
SWEEPING: Extending over a wide area or range; comprehensive.
9 Letters
UNIVERSAL: Common to all members of a group or class; applicable everywhere.
More About "across the board crossword clue"
"Across the board" is a widely used idiom, both in everyday language and, consequently, in crossword puzzles. It generally signifies something that applies uniformly to every category, group, or individual within a given scope. This universal applicability is what makes it a versatile clue in crosswords, leading to various answers depending on the required length and specific nuance.
In crosswords, this clue often points to words that convey completeness, comprehensiveness, or generality. Understanding the core meaning of "across the board" as 'inclusive of all' or 'without exception' is crucial. It's a common phrase in finance (e.g., "across-the-board gains" meaning all stocks rose) and politics (e.g., "across-the-board cuts" affecting all departments), reinforcing its sense of widespread application.
When you encounter this clue, think about synonyms that imply totality or universality. The answers provided above, like TOTAL, GENERAL, OVERALL, SWEEPING, and UNIVERSAL, are prime examples of terms that encapsulate this meaning and frequently appear as solutions in various crossword grids.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always start by noting the number of letters required for the answer. This is your primary filter for possible solutions.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use letters revealed by intersecting clues. Even one letter can significantly narrow down the possibilities for "across the board."
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Crosswords often rely on synonyms or related concepts. For "across the board," think of words that mean 'all-inclusive,' 'complete,' or 'widespread.'
- Analyze the Puzzle's Theme: Sometimes, the overall theme of the crossword puzzle or the setter's style can hint at the type of vocabulary being used, helping you choose between similar answers.
- Don't Be Afraid to Guess (Strategically): If you're down to a few options, make an educated guess for a few letters to see if they fit with other intersecting words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'across the board' mean in a general context?
Outside of crosswords, 'across the board' is an idiom that means applying to or affecting everyone or everything in a particular group or category, without exception. For example, an 'across-the-board pay raise' means all employees receive a raise.
How can I determine the correct 'across the board' answer for my crossword puzzle?
The best way to determine the correct answer is by checking the number of letters required for the solution. If you have any intersecting letters filled in, these will also help narrow down the options. Sometimes, the specific nuance of the clue or the puzzle's theme can also provide hints.
Are there other common crossword clues that mean 'across the board'?
Crossword setters often use a variety of clues to lead to 'across the board' type answers. These might include 'Comprehensive', 'General', 'Including all', 'Without exception', 'Total', or 'Universal'. Recognizing these synonyms is key to solving such clues.