ditches crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving even the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find all possible answers for the clue "ditches" along with clear explanations, helping you conquer your puzzle in no time!
Solutions for "ditches crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
MOATS: Water-filled defensive ditches surrounding a castle.
6 Letters
AVOIDS: To refrain from or keep away from something; to get rid of.
8 Letters
ABANDONS: To give up completely, often in a negative sense, or to desert.
8 Letters
TRENCHES: Long, narrow ditches dug for military defense or drainage.
More About "ditches crossword clue"
The clue "ditches" is a prime example of a crossword clue that relies on the polysemy of a word – its ability to have multiple meanings. In the case of "ditches," it can refer to the act of getting rid of something (a verb) or to physical channels in the ground (a noun). This duality is frequently exploited by crossword setters to create challenging but fair clues.
When "ditches" is used as a verb, common answers often revolve around synonyms for abandoning, avoiding, or discarding. Think of words like 'AVOIDS', 'ABANDONS', 'SHUNS', 'DROPS', or even 'FORSAKES'. The context of the surrounding clue and any intersecting letters will usually guide you to the correct verb form.
Conversely, when "ditches" refers to a noun, the answers will relate to various types of excavated channels. This could include defensive features like 'MOATS', military excavations like 'TRENCHES', or agricultural channels like 'FURROWS'. Understanding these distinct interpretations is key to successfully tackling such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Both Meanings: For words like "ditches," always think if the word can function as a noun or a verb. This simple check can double your potential answer pool.
- Check Letter Count First: Use the exact number of letters required to immediately eliminate many possibilities. If you need a 5-letter word, you know 'ABANDONS' (8 letters) won't fit, no matter how good the synonym.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword setters frequently use direct synonyms. Sometimes, they might hint at an antonym with phrases like "opposite of" or "lacks."
- Context is Key: Pay attention to the surrounding words in the clue and any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are your most valuable hints for narrowing down the options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "ditches" have so many different answers in crosswords?
"Ditches" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings (polysemy) that crossword setters love to exploit. It can be a verb (to get rid of, abandon) or a noun (a trench, furrow). This allows for a wide range of synonyms depending on the intended meaning of the clue.
How do I know if "ditches" refers to a verb or a noun?
Look at the clue's phrasing and any surrounding words. If it's "Ditches (something)" it's likely a verb. If it's "A type of ditches" or describes a physical feature, it's a noun. Also, checking crossing letters will quickly narrow down the options.
Are there common word patterns for "ditches" answers?
Answers like AVOIDS, ABANDONS, DROPS, SHUNS are common for the verb sense. For the noun sense, MOATS, TRENCHES, GULLIES, FURROWS are frequently seen. Familiarity with these common solutions helps speed up solving.