cutshort crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "cutshort", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you conquer your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "cutshort crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HALT: To stop or cause to stop. Often used when an action or process is brought to an abrupt end.
SNIP: To cut with a quick, sharp movement, often implying a small reduction in length.
7 Letters
CURTAIL: To reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on. Synonymous with making something shorter.
8 Letters
TRUNCATE: To shorten by cutting off the top or end. This often applies to numbers, words, or physical objects.
10 Letters
ABBREVIATE: To shorten something, typically a word or phrase, by leaving out letters. A common way to "cut short" language.
More About "cutshort crossword clue"
"Cut short" is a versatile crossword clue that can refer to various forms of reduction or termination. It can imply a physical shortening, as in cutting hair or fabric, or an abrupt end to an event, speech, or process. Crossword setters often use such clues to test your vocabulary across different contexts, from literal actions to more abstract concepts like time or discourse.
When encountering "cut short," consider the word length requested by the puzzle and brainstorm synonyms related to 'stop', 'reduce', 'trim', or 'abbreviate'. The specific number of letters often provides the crucial hint needed to narrow down the possibilities and pinpoint the exact answer the setter is looking for.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the overall theme or surrounding clues in your crossword. Does "cut short" hint at something related to hair, a speech, a journey, or a word?
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most powerful tool. Once you have a few potential synonyms, immediately filter them by their length.
- Look for Wordplay: Sometimes, "cut short" might be part of a pun or a cryptic clue. For example, 'short cut' could literally mean a 'shortcut'. Stay open to lateral thinking!
- Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Words related to shortening often involve prefixes like "ab-" (abridge, abbreviate) or suffixes that imply reduction. Keep an eye out for these patterns.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cut short' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Cut short' usually implies reducing the length of something, bringing an end to an activity prematurely, or abbreviating a word. Synonyms like 'truncate', 'curtail', 'halt', or 'abbreviate' are common answers.
How can I find more synonyms for 'cut short' for my crossword puzzle?
Consider the context of the clue. Is it about physical length (trim, crop, prune)? Ending an event (stop, halt, end)? Or linguistic shortening (abbreviate, clip)? Using a thesaurus for each of these nuances can provide many options.
Are there common tricky usages of 'cut short' in crosswords?
Yes, 'cut short' can sometimes refer to a literal 'cut' that is 'short', like a 'BOB' (a short haircut). Or it might be part of a wordplay clue where 'short' is a suffix or prefix to 'cut'. Always consider literal and figurative meanings.