crossword clue off – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "crossword clue off" and need a quick solution or a deeper understanding, you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers for all lengths, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue off" by Letter Count
4 Letters
AWAY: This answer suggests a state of absence or distance, as in 'take time off' meaning 'take time away'.
GONE: Indicates something no longer present or active, like 'the lights are off' meaning 'the lights are gone out'.
DOWN: Refers to a state of being out of operation or non-functional, as in 'the server is off' or 'the server is down'.
6 Letters
ROTTEN: Describes food or produce that has gone bad or spoiled, commonly referred to as 'off'.
FAILED: Implies that something did not work or was called off, as in 'the mission is off' meaning 'the mission failed'.
10 Letters
DISCOUNTED: Refers to a reduction in price, often seen as 'X% off' where items are discounted.
More About "crossword clue off"
The word "off" is a deceptively simple yet incredibly versatile term in the English language, making it a frequent and often tricky component of crossword clues. Its meanings can range from indicating a state of being disconnected (e.g., "lights off"), to a reduction in price ("20% off"), an absence ("days off"), a cancellation ("the deal is off"), or even spoilage ("the milk is off"). This wide semantic range means solvers must pay close attention to the context provided by the rest of the clue and any intersecting letters.
Crossword setters leverage this ambiguity to create challenging clues. For instance, a clue like "Not on" could lead to "OFF," but so could "Sour, say" or "Discounted." Understanding the various nuances of "off" and its common synonyms is key to unlocking such puzzles. Our comprehensive list of answers and explanations aims to cover the most common interpretations, ensuring you have the right solution for any context.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: Always look at the surrounding words in the clue. Is it about a device? A food item? A financial transaction? The context is crucial for determining which meaning of "off" is intended.
- Consider Letter Count: If you have "off" as part of a clue, the number of letters in the answer is a huge hint. A 4-letter answer might be "AWAY" or "GONE," while a 10-letter one could be "DISCOUNTED."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These letters can quickly narrow down the possibilities and confirm the correct answer from multiple options for "off."
- Think of Homophones or Puns: Sometimes "off" might be part of a wordplay clue. For example, "Take off" could refer to an airplane leaving or a mimicry. Be open to these creative interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "off" mean in crossword clues?
The term "off" in crossword clues is highly versatile and can imply various meanings, such as being absent (AWAY), no longer functional (DOWN), spoiled (ROTTEN), cancelled (FAILED), or a reduction (DISCOUNTED). Its exact meaning depends heavily on the context of the clue and the surrounding letters you already have.
How do I identify the correct meaning of "off" in a clue?
To identify the correct meaning, consider the word length required, any intersecting letters, and the overall theme or tone of the puzzle. Look for synonyms that fit the letter count and the specific nuance of 'off' implied by the rest of the clue. For example, if the clue hints at food, 'ROTTEN' might be apt. If it's about a deal, 'DISCOUNTED' could be the answer.
Are there common synonyms for "off" in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'off' in crosswords include AWAY, GONE, DOWN, SPOILED, BAD, BROKEN, FINISHED, CANCELLED, and REDUCED. The best approach is to try fitting different synonyms based on the number of letters and any known letters from intersecting words.