balked crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "balked crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "balked crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SHIED: To suddenly hesitate or show reluctance, often used for animals, particularly horses, stopping abruptly.
7 Letters
STOPPED: To cease movement or activity, which is a direct form of balking.
REFUSED: To decline to do something or to comply, often implying a resistance to moving forward.
8 Letters
DEMURRED: To raise doubts or objections; show reluctance, often in a polite but firm manner, causing a halt in action.
9 Letters
HESITATED: To pause before acting, speaking, or deciding, often due to uncertainty or reluctance, fitting the idea of balking.
More About "balked crossword"
The word "balked" in a crossword clue often refers to a sudden and unexpected stop or hesitation. It can imply resistance, a refusal to proceed, or a physical act of stopping short. While commonly associated with animals, especially horses, "balked" can also describe a person's reluctance to act or a plan that has come to an abrupt halt.
When you encounter "balked" in a puzzle, consider the context. Is it an animal-themed clue? Is it about someone refusing an order? Or is it a more general term for stopping? Understanding these nuances helps in narrowing down the possible answers. The diverse set of synonyms for "balked" makes it a versatile clue in crosswords, requiring careful thought and letter-count matching.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: "Balked" can have slightly different meanings (e.g., animal stopping vs. person refusing). Pay attention to any other words in the clue that provide context to determine the exact synonym needed.
- Consider Letter Count First: Before brainstorming, identify the required number of letters for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly and helps you focus on synonyms of the correct length.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Always use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These crucial clues will often make a seemingly difficult "balked" answer obvious, especially if you have a common letter like 'E' or 'S'.
- Think Beyond the Literal: Sometimes, crossword clues for words like "balked" might lead to a more figurative answer. Consider both literal synonyms (like STOPPED) and more abstract ones (like REFUSED or DEMURRED) based on the overall puzzle theme.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'balked' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'balked' typically means to suddenly stop, hesitate, or refuse to proceed. It can describe a physical action, an objection, or a reluctance to comply. The context of the clue will often hint at whether it refers to a person, an animal, or even a plan.
Are there common themes or synonyms for 'balked' answers?
Yes, common themes for 'balked' answers often revolve around cessation of movement, resistance, or showing reluctance. Look for synonyms such as SHIED, STOPPED, REFUSED, DEMURRED, or HESITATED. The specific synonym will depend on the letter count and intersecting letters in your puzzle.
How can I quickly find the correct answer for a 'balked' clue?
Start by determining the exact number of letters required for the answer. Then, brainstorm common synonyms for 'balked' that fit that length. Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue that might provide context (e.g., 'horse balked' points to SHIED). Finally, use any intersecting letters from solved clues to narrow down the possibilities.