chop chop crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "chop chop crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "chop chop crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RUSH: To move or act with great speed, perfectly matching the urgency implied by "chop chop."
5 Letters
HASTE: Great speed, especially in acting or moving; often used in phrases like "make haste."
HURRY: To move or act with great speed, or cause to do so. A very direct synonym for "chop chop."
7 Letters
QUICKLY: An adverb meaning rapidly or swiftly. It describes the manner in which one should act when told "chop chop."
More About "chop chop crossword clue"
"Chop chop" is an interesting phrase with roots in Cantonese Pidgin English, specifically from "chop-chop" (急急, gāp-gāp), meaning "hurry-hurry." It became widely known through its use by sailors and during World War II, making its way into common English parlance as a simple, direct command to speed up. In crosswords, it almost exclusively refers to the imperative to act with urgency rather than a literal chopping action.
This clue is popular with constructors because it's a short, punchy phrase that can lead to various synonyms for speed or promptness, fitting different word lengths. Understanding the idiomatic meaning of "chop chop" is key to solving it, as thinking of literal "chopping" (like with an axe) would lead you down the wrong path.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Interpret Imperatives: Clues like "chop chop" are often imperative. Think of synonyms that convey a command or an urgent action rather than a descriptive state.
- Consider Word Associations: Brainstorm all words strongly associated with the clue. For "chop chop," this immediately brings to mind speed, urgency, and quickness.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers against the required letter count. This is crucial when multiple synonyms could fit, helping you narrow down the options rapidly.
- Look for Common Crossword Tropes: Some phrases are crossword classics. Learning these common idioms and their typical answers can significantly speed up your solving time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'chop chop' mean in general usage?
'Chop chop' is an informal imperative phrase used to tell someone to hurry up or to do something quickly. It implies urgency, often used to expedite an action.
Why is 'chop chop' a common crossword clue?
It's common because it's a well-known idiomatic expression that can be matched with various synonyms for speed or urgency, such as HURRY, QUICKLY, or RUSH, providing solvers with multiple letter length options.
Are there other common urgency-related clues in crosswords?
Yes, clues like 'Make haste!', 'Get a move on!', 'Speed up!', or 'Without delay' are frequently used to solicit similar answers related to quickness and urgency.