out and out crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "out and out crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and confidently.
Solutions for "out and out crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
UTTER: Completely, entirely; unreservedly.
TOTAL: Complete; absolute.
SHEER: Nothing other than; unmitigated.
8 Letters
ABSOLUTE: Complete, total, or unconditional.
9 Letters
DOWNRIGHT: Thoroughly or absolutely; frank and direct.
More About "out and out crossword"
The phrase "out and out" is an idiom that means complete, total, or absolute. When you see this clue in a crossword puzzle, the setter is looking for a word that conveys a sense of thoroughness or an unmitigated degree of something. It's often used to describe something unequivocally, such as "an out and out lie" or "an out and out success."
Common synonyms that fit this meaning include 'utter', 'sheer', 'total', 'absolute', and 'downright'. Crossword setters love these types of clues because they allow for a range of answers depending on the letter count, and they test a solver's knowledge of idiomatic expressions and their precise synonyms. Always consider the context of the puzzle, if any, and the number of letters to narrow down the possibilities.
Understanding these subtle nuances is key to mastering crosswords. Recognizing an idiomatic phrase like "out and out" immediately signals that you should be looking for words that describe completeness or extremity, rather than a literal interpretation of 'out' or 'and'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue Type: Identify if the clue is a straight definition, a pun, an anagram, a phrase, or an idiom like "out and out." This helps you choose the right approach.
- Consider Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. It immediately eliminates many potential answers and guides you towards the right-sized word.
- Think Synonyms & Antonyms: For definitional clues, brainstorm synonyms. For clues implying opposition, consider antonyms. For phrases, think of single words that capture the essence of the phrase.
- Check Cross-References: If you have intersecting letters from other answers, use them to your advantage. Even one correct letter can unlock a difficult word.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use Resources: It's okay to look up challenging clues. The goal is to learn and improve, not just to finish perfectly on your own every time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find other words related to 'out and out' in crosswords?
When you encounter clues like 'out and out', think of synonyms for 'complete', 'absolute', 'total', 'thorough', or 'unqualified'. Common crossword answers include UTTER, SHEER, TOTAL, ABSOLUTE, and DOWNRIGHT, depending on the required length.
What does 'out and out' mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'out and out' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'complete', 'total', 'absolute', or 'thorough'. It's often used to emphasize an extreme degree of something, like 'an out and out lie' or 'an out and out fraud'.
Are there common tricks for clues like 'out and out'?
Yes, for clues that are idiomatic phrases, always consider their common synonyms. 'Out and out' points towards words that describe completeness or absoluteness. Pay attention to the number of letters required, as this often narrows down the options significantly. If you have some letters from intersecting words, use them to help deduce the full answer.