crossword clue out and out – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "out and out", helping you complete your puzzle with ease and expand your vocabulary.
Solutions for "crossword clue out and out" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RANK: Signifies complete or absolute, often in a negative sense (e.g., 'rank outsider').
5 Letters
UTTER: Meaning absolute, complete, or total. Widely used as an intensifier (e.g., 'utter chaos').
SHEER: Denotes something complete, absolute, or pure, without qualification (e.g., 'sheer determination').
TOTAL: Implies complete, absolute, or entire. Directly corresponds to the sense of 'out and out' (e.g., 'total victory').
8 Letters
THOROUGH: Suggests completeness and meticulousness, leaving nothing undone (e.g., 'a thorough clean').
9 Letters
DOWNRIGHT: An adverb meaning absolutely or thoroughly, used to emphasize a quality (e.g., 'downright rude').
More About "crossword clue out and out"
"Out and out" is an idiomatic expression that serves as an intensifier, meaning absolutely, completely, or thoroughly. When this phrase appears in a crossword clue, it signals that the desired answer will be a single word, typically an adjective or adverb, that conveys a sense of unqualified or unreserved quality. It doesn't imply physical movement but rather a state of being entirely something.
For example, if someone is an "out and out liar," they are completely, unequivocally a liar. This nuance is crucial for crossword solvers. The clue is not asking for a phrase, but a concise synonym that captures the full extent of the descriptive word being modified. Therefore, words like UTTER, SHEER, RANK, TOTAL, and DOWNRIGHT become strong candidates, as they all function to denote absolute completeness in various contexts.
Understanding this idiomatic usage is key to unlocking many clues that leverage intensifiers. The range of possible answers might vary in tone (e.g., 'rank' often implies a negative quality), so paying attention to any subtle hints in the full clue can further narrow down the options.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: Always consider the full clue. While "out and out" indicates an intensifier, other words in the clue might provide valuable context about the specific type or tone of the "absolute" quality being sought.
- Count Your Letters: Once you have a potential answer in mind, verify that its letter count matches the available spaces in the grid. This is the most straightforward way to eliminate incorrect possibilities quickly.
- Think of Synonyms & Antonyms: For a clue like "out and out," brainstorm words that mean 'completely' or 'absolutely'. Also, consider their opposites if the clue has a negating phrase.
- Check Cross-References: Use intersecting letters from answers you're confident about. These confirmed letters can provide critical hints for tougher answers like those for "out and out."
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is the answer likely an adjective (e.g., UTTER) or an adverb (e.g., DOWNRIGHT)? The way "out and out" is used in a sentence can often hint at the required part of speech.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'out and out' mean in a crossword clue?
In a crossword clue, 'out and out' typically signifies something complete, absolute, total, or thorough. It's an intensifier, looking for synonyms that convey an unreserved or unqualified quality. Think of words like 'utter,' 'sheer,' 'rank,' or 'downright'.
How can I find synonyms for 'out and out' for crosswords?
To find synonyms, focus on the core meaning of 'absolute' or 'complete.' Brainstorm words that describe something fully or without exception. Consider different parts of speech, as the answer might be an adjective (e.g., UTTER) or an adverb (e.g., DOWNRIGHT). Checking the number of letters provided in the grid is also a key strategy.
Are there common patterns for 'out and out' clues?
Yes, 'out and out' often points to single-word adjectives or adverbs that serve as strong intensifiers. Common answers include UTTER, SHEER, RANK, TOTAL, and DOWNRIGHT. The context of other words in the clue might also hint at whether it's a positive or negative intensity, though 'out and out' itself is neutral.