rubbing out crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "rubbing out" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "rubbing out crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ERASING: Directly refers to removing marks, especially with an eraser. A very common and fitting answer for "rubbing out".
8 Letters
DELETING: A broader term for removing or eliminating, applicable to both physical and digital contexts of removal.
EFFACING: To wipe out, obliterate, or remove completely, often a mark or a feature. A more formal synonym for 'rubbing out'.
More About "rubbing out crossword clue"
"Rubbing out" is a classic crossword clue that often points to actions of removal, obliteration, or cancellation. While the most immediate thought might be physical erasure with an eraser, clever crossword setters often use such clues to hint at broader concepts of removal. This could include digitally deleting files, emotionally wiping away memories, or even ceremonially effacing a record.
Understanding the context of the puzzle – whether it's a general knowledge, cryptic, or themed crossword – can greatly assist in narrowing down the possibilities. For instance, a clue in a puzzle about school supplies might strongly favor 'ERASING', while one about historical records could lean towards 'EFFACING' or 'DELETING'. Always consider the nuances of the words and their potential double meanings.
The key to solving clues like "rubbing out" lies in exploring synonyms and antonyms of "removal" and "erasure." Think about what tools are used to rub things out, what the outcome of rubbing something out is, and what other verbs convey a similar sense of disappearance or nullification.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For action clues like "rubbing out," immediately think of as many synonyms as possible for the core action (to remove, to erase, to cancel).
- Consider Nuance: Does the clue imply a physical action, a digital one, or a more abstract concept? "Rubbing out" typically suggests physical removal, but be open to broader interpretations based on the puzzle's theme or other crossing words.
- Check Letter Count: Always compare your potential answers to the given letter count. This is often the quickest way to eliminate incorrect guesses and confirm correct ones.
- Look for Wordplay: Cryptic crosswords especially love to play on words. "Rubbing out" could potentially hint at something being worn away, or even literally 'rubbing' something 'out' of a container.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'rubbing out' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'rubbing out' most commonly refers to the act of erasing or removing something, often with an eraser. It's a clue that points towards words meaning removal, obliteration, or cancellation.
Are there different types of 'removal' clues?
Yes, 'removal' clues can vary. While 'rubbing out' implies physical erasure, other clues might hint at digital deletion, destruction, cancellation, or even the act of expelling someone. Context and letter count are crucial to distinguishing these.
How can I find synonyms for clues like this?
To find synonyms, think about the action's different contexts: physical removal (eraser, sponge), digital removal (delete key), or abstract removal (cancel, invalidate). Consider verbs that convey elimination or destruction. Dictionaries and thesauruses are excellent tools, and checking the letter count of potential answers against the puzzle helps narrow down options.