ditch crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "ditch" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Whether you're looking for a noun or verb form of 'ditch', we've got you covered for all possible word lengths.
Solutions for "ditch crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHED: To get rid of something unwanted, especially something that is no longer needed or useful.
SACK: To dismiss someone from employment, or to discard something quickly and unceremoniously.
DROP: To let something fall; to abandon or discontinue something.
5 Letters
CANAL: An artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or to convey water for irrigation.
6 Letters
TRENCH: A long, narrow excavation in the ground, often used for drainage, irrigation, or as a defensive position.
7 Letters
ABANDON: To give up completely or relinquish; to leave behind or forsake someone or something.
CASTOFF: Something discarded or thrown away; fits the meaning of ditching something.
More About "ditch crossword clue"
The word "ditch" is a versatile term in the English language, which makes it a frequent and sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. It can function as both a noun and a verb, each with multiple distinct meanings. As a noun, it typically refers to a long, narrow channel dug in the ground, often for drainage or irrigation. This physical meaning can lead to answers like TRENCH or CANAL.
However, "ditch" also has strong verbal connotations. To "ditch" something often means to abandon, discard, or get rid of it. This can be in a literal sense, like ditching old clothes, or a figurative sense, like ditching a bad habit or even a person. This duality means that solvers must pay close attention to the context of the clue and the number of letters required for the answer, as the same clue might lead to very different solutions depending on its intended meaning.
Crossword constructors love words like "ditch" because they allow for clever misdirection. Always consider both the physical and the action-oriented meanings when encountering this clue, and don't be afraid to think about synonyms for both interpretations to broaden your search for the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: For clues like "ditch", determine if it's being used as a noun (a thing) or a verb (an action). This is often the first step to narrowing down possibilities.
- Consider Figurative Meanings: Many words have literal and figurative uses. "Ditch" might mean literally digging a channel or figuratively abandoning something. Think broadly about all possible interpretations.
- Check Cross-References: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm your suspicions about the length and specific answer for "ditch". This is especially helpful when dealing with multiple plausible answers.
- Think of Synonyms: Brainstorm as many synonyms as possible for each meaning of "ditch". For example, for the noun, think of synonyms for 'channel', 'furrow'; for the verb, think of 'discard', 'abandon', 'leave'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common meanings of 'ditch' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'ditch' often refers to a narrow excavation (noun), for which answers like TRENCH or CANAL are common. As a verb, it frequently means to abandon or get rid of, with solutions such as ABANDON, SHED, or DROP.
How can I differentiate between the noun and verb forms of 'ditch' in a clue?
Context is key. Look for clues that imply an action (e.g., 'To discard', 'To abandon ship') for the verb form. If the clue describes a physical feature (e.g., 'Waterway', 'Excavation'), it likely points to the noun form. Also, consider the letter count, as different meanings often have different common synonyms of varying lengths.
Are there any informal or tricky uses of 'ditch' in crossword puzzles?
Yes, 'ditch' can sometimes appear in informal contexts, meaning to skip (e.g., 'ditch class') or to quickly get rid of someone or something (e.g., 'ditch a plan'). Answers like SACK or DROP might fit these scenarios, requiring you to think beyond the literal meanings.