strike out crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "strike out". Whether you're looking to complete your daily puzzle or just curious about the meaning, we've got you covered with answers of various lengths.
Solutions for "strike out crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OMIT: To leave out or exclude, which aligns with 'striking out' something from a list or text.
FAIL: In the context of baseball, to 'strike out' means to fail to get a hit, thus failing at the task.
5 Letters
ERASE: To rub out or remove, often by crossing lines through it, effectively 'striking it out'.
ABORT: To terminate or cancel an activity or plan, similar to 'striking out' a scheduled event.
6 Letters
CANCEL: To annul or revoke, often implying a 'striking out' from a schedule or plan.
DELETE: To remove or eliminate, as if 'striking through' text or data.
7 Letters
EXPUNGE: To erase or remove completely from a record or document, a more formal way of 'striking out'.
More About "strike out crossword clue"
The phrase "strike out" carries a dual meaning, making it a versatile and sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. Most commonly, it refers to the act of eliminating, removing, or crossing something off a list or document. This literal interpretation is why answers like OMIT, ERASE, or CANCEL are frequent solutions. When you "strike out" an entry, you are nullifying its presence or relevance.
However, "strike out" also has a strong idiomatic meaning, particularly in American English, relating to failure or misfortune. In baseball, a batter who 'strikes out' fails to hit the ball after three attempts. This sense extends metaphorically to failing at any endeavor, hence answers like FAIL. The context of the surrounding clues or the crossword's theme can often hint at which meaning is intended, guiding solvers to the correct answer length and word.
Understanding these nuances is key to mastering such clues. A good crossword setter will often provide a subtle hint within the clue itself, or through intersecting words, to indicate whether the 'removal' or 'failure' meaning is more appropriate for a given puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many crossword clues, like "strike out," have more than one common interpretation. Always think broadly about literal, figurative, and even specific domain meanings (e.g., sports, legal, etc.).
- Check Letter Count First: Once you have a potential answer in mind, verify if its letter count matches the space provided. This is often the quickest way to eliminate possibilities.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: The letters from solved intersecting clues are invaluable. They confirm correct answers and can unlock new possibilities for difficult clues. Don't be afraid to leave a tricky clue for a moment and come back to it once more letters are filled in.
- Look for Homophones and Puns: Crossword setters love wordplay. Be alert for clues that sound like another word or are a pun on a common phrase.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'strike out' mean in a crossword context?
'Strike out' in crosswords can refer to several actions: literally crossing something out (like an error), failing at something (as in baseball), or cancelling/omitting an item. The exact meaning depends on the clue's nuance and the number of letters required for the answer.
How can I determine the correct answer for 'strike out' if there are multiple options?
To find the best fit, consider the number of letters needed, any intersecting letters from other clues, and the specific phrasing of the clue. For example, if it's a baseball-related puzzle, 'FAIL' might be more likely than 'OMIT'.
Are there common synonyms for 'strike out' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include OMIT, ERASE, CANCEL, DELETE, ABORT, and FAIL. Less common but possible answers could be SCRUB or EXPUNGE, depending on the complexity of the puzzle.