go by crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues. Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "go by crossword puzzle clue," designed to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "go by crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PASS: To move past something; for time to elapse; to be accepted or approved.
OBEY: To comply with or follow a command, rule, or instruction, thus "going by" it.
6 Letters
ELAPSE: (Of time) to pass or go by, as in "time will elapse quickly."
ADHERE: To stick to or follow a rule, principle, or belief, much like "going by" it.
More About "go by crossword puzzle clue"
"Go by" is a common phrasal verb in English with a surprising range of meanings, making it a versatile and often challenging crossword clue. It can refer to the simple act of physically moving past something or someone, such as "we watched the cars go by." However, it also frequently relates to the passage of time, as in "the days go by so fast." This duality is a common trick used by crossword setters to test a solver's linguistic agility.
Beyond literal movement or time, "go by" can also mean to conform to, follow, or be guided by something, like "you must go by the rules" or "I'll go by what the experts say." This sense often leads to answers related to compliance or adherence. Furthermore, it can describe how someone is known, as in "he goes by the name of 'Sparky'," though this particular sense is less common in direct crossword clues for "go by." Understanding these various interpretations is key to successfully cracking this type of clue.
The beauty of such a clue lies in its ability to be clued in many ways, requiring solvers to consider context, surrounding letters, and the puzzle's theme. Always consider if the clue is asking for a synonym for 'pass', 'obey', or 'elapsed time' when you encounter 'go by'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For phrasal verbs like "go by," always brainstorm every possible meaning. The setter might be using a less common interpretation.
- Check Letter Count First: Use the number of letters to immediately filter out answers that don't fit. This dramatically narrows your search space.
- Look for Context Clues: Other words in the clue or in intersecting answers can often hint at which specific meaning of "go by" is intended. For instance, if the clue mentions "time," ELAPSE becomes a strong candidate.
- Think of Synonyms: Break down the phrasal verb. What are synonyms for "go"? What are synonyms for "by" in different contexts? Sometimes combining these can lead to the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do common phrases like "go by" have multiple answers in crosswords?
Phrases like "go by" are often polysemous, meaning they have multiple meanings depending on context. In crosswords, setters can clue these different meanings, leading to various valid answers. For example, "go by" can refer to time passing (ELAPSE), moving past something (PASS), or following rules (OBEY, ADHERE).
How does knowing the letter count help solve clues like "go by"?
The letter count is crucial as it significantly narrows down the pool of potential answers. For a clue like "go by," knowing it's a 4-letter word might point you towards PASS or OBEY, while a 6-letter count suggests ELAPSE or ADHERE. This greatly assists in eliminating incorrect possibilities.
Are there specific types of crosswords that frequently use clues like "go by"?
Common phrasal verbs and idioms, including "go by," are staples in most general knowledge and standard cryptic crosswords. They test your vocabulary, understanding of colloquialisms, and ability to think of synonyms or related concepts. The challenge often lies in discerning the specific context the setter intends.