balk crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "balk crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle. We've got answers for various word lengths, ensuring you find exactly what you need.
Solutions for "balk crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SHY: To suddenly show reluctance or unwillingness to do something, often associated with drawing back.
4 Letters
STOP: To abruptly halt progress or an action, often a direct synonym for balking.
5 Letters
DEMUR: To raise doubts or objections, often showing reluctance or hesitation to accept something.
6 Letters
RECOIL: To suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust; to shrink back from something unpleasant.
8 Letters
HESITATE: To pause in indecision before saying or doing something, or to be reluctant to act.
More About "balk crossword clue"
"Balk" is a versatile word that can throw off even seasoned crossword solvers due to its multiple meanings. At its core, it often implies a sudden stop, an unwillingness to proceed, or an impediment. In a crossword context, clues using "balk" might refer to someone recoiling from a task, a horse refusing to move, or even a baseball pitcher's illegal motion that thwarts a play.
When encountering "balk" in a clue, consider the context and the required word length. Is the clue hinting at reluctance (SHY, DEMUR, HESITATE), an abrupt halt (STOP), or a physical flinch (RECOIL)? The exact wording of the clue, combined with any given letters, is crucial for pinpointing the correct answer. The word "balk" itself can act as a verb meaning to stop short and refuse to go on, or as a noun referring to such a stop.
Understanding these different facets of "balk" will significantly improve your chances of solving related clues. Crossword constructors love to play on words with multiple meanings, making "balk" a prime candidate for trickier clues that require you to think beyond the most common interpretation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is "balk" used as a verb (e.g., "to balk at a task") or a noun (e.g., "a sudden balk")? This can guide you towards verbs or nouns as answers.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of words that mean similar things to "balk" (e.g., flinch, hesitate, demur) or their opposites, as sometimes clues can be indirect.
- Look at Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, an answer to an intersecting clue can provide a crucial letter, narrowing down the possibilities for "balk."
- Think of Figurative Meanings: "Balk" can mean to thwart or frustrate, not just physically stop. Consider if the clue hints at hindering progress.
- Check for Specific Contexts: If the clue is lengthy or hints at a specific field (like sports), "balk" might refer to a more specialized meaning, such as in baseball.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'balk' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'balk' typically refers to hesitating, stopping abruptly, refusing to proceed, or thwarting a plan. It can also refer to a specific term in baseball.
Are there common synonyms for 'balk' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that appear as answers to 'balk' include SHY, STOP, DEMUR, RECOIL, FLINCH, DODGE, and HESITATE. The specific context of the clue will help narrow down the correct answer.
How can I differentiate between similar 'balk' answers like 'demur' and 'hesitate'?
While both imply reluctance, 'demur' often suggests an objection or a polite refusal, whereas 'hesitate' strictly means to pause or be uncertain. The nuance in the clue's wording is key. Look for synonyms like 'object' for DEMUR, or 'pause' for HESITATE.