drive back crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "drive back crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers and explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "drive back crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
REPEL: To drive or force back (an attacker or an attack).
6 Letters
REBUFF: To reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner; to drive back.
DEFEAT: To overcome in a battle or contest; to foil.
7 Letters
REPULSE: To drive back (an attack or attacker) by force.
8 Letters
REPELLED: Past tense of repel; driven or forced back.
More About "drive back crossword"
The phrase "drive back" in crosswords typically seeks a word that signifies forcing a retreat, pushing something away, or causing a withdrawal. It can appear in various contexts, from military actions to social interactions. Common synonyms like 'repel', 'rebuff', and 'repulse' are often the answers, depending on the number of letters required and the specific nuance of the clue.
Understanding the core meaning of "drive back" as an action of causing something to recede is key. Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they allow for multiple valid solutions across different lengths, making careful consideration of intersecting letters and the puzzle's theme crucial.
Always consider both literal and figurative interpretations. While it often refers to physical force, "drive back" can also imply a rejection or prevention of progress in a more abstract sense, leading to answers like 'thwart' or 'discourage' in some cases, although less common for this specific phrasing.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- **Consider synonyms Broadly:** "Drive back" has many synonyms. Think about words that mean to push away, defeat, or cause to retreat, and explore variations in tense or form (e.g., 'repel' vs. 'repelled').
- **Utilize Letter Counts:** Always use the known length of the answer to narrow down possibilities. For "drive back", solutions range widely, so knowing the letter count is your first filter.
- **Look for Contextual Clues:** Does the puzzle have a specific theme (e.g., military, emotions)? Is the clue part of a longer phrase? Sometimes the surrounding clues or the puzzle's title can offer valuable hints.
- **Check Intersecting Letters:** Your most powerful tool! Even one correct letter from an intersecting word can eliminate many incorrect possibilities for "drive back."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for "drive back" in crosswords?
Common synonyms include repel, repulse, rebuff, defeat, and parry. The exact answer often depends on the specific letter count required by the puzzle.
Why might "drive back" have multiple answers in crosswords?
Many crossword clues are designed to be ambiguous, allowing for various synonyms that fit different letter counts. "Drive back" is a broad concept, and several words can convey its meaning depending on the precise nuance or length needed.
How can I narrow down the options for "drive back" if I'm stuck?
Beyond checking letter counts, consider the puzzle's difficulty level (easier puzzles often use more straightforward synonyms). Also, if you have any intersecting letters from other clues, these are your best friends for eliminating incorrect possibilities.