strikes crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "strikes crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution. Let's solve your puzzle!
Solutions for "strikes crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HITS: A direct and common synonym for striking something, as in "he hits the ball."
5 Letters
BEATS: To strike repeatedly, or to defeat in a competition, as in "the clock beats quickly" or "he beats his opponent."
WALKS: Often refers to a labor strike, where employees 'walk out' from their jobs in protest.
6 Letters
LASHES: To strike with a whip or similar implement, or to speak to someone angrily and quickly.
7 Letters
IMPACTS: To strike with force; to hit something directly and often with significant effect.
More About "strikes crossword clue"
The word "strikes" is highly versatile, making it a frequent but sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. It can refer to a multitude of actions: from a physical impact (like a baseball bat striking a ball) to a worker's protest against employment conditions. Understanding the various contexts is key to solving the puzzle.
Beyond the literal and industrial meanings, "strikes" can also imply a sudden discovery, such as "striking oil" or "striking gold." In other contexts, it might relate to the chiming of a clock when it "strikes the hour," or even a forceful impression something leaves, like "this idea strikes me as profound." The challenge for solvers is to discern which specific nuance the clue intends, often by considering the number of letters and any intersecting words.
When you encounter "strikes" in a crossword, always consider the length of the required answer first. Then, look for how other words in the puzzle intersect, as these letters will often reveal which specific meaning of "strikes" the puzzle setter had in mind. It's a classic example of how crosswords use common words with multiple definitions to create clever challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For clues like "strikes" with many possible meanings, list out all synonyms you can think of for each definition (e.g., hit, beat, walkout, discover, chime).
- Use Intersecting Letters: Always fill in crossing words first. Even one correct letter can eliminate many potential answers for "strikes" and lead you directly to the solution.
- Check Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. "HITS" will never be the answer if a 7-letter word is required. Our answer section is sorted by length for exactly this reason.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes crossword setters use less common or figurative meanings of words. If the obvious answers don't fit, think about idioms or less frequent uses of "strikes."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'strikes' mean in a crossword clue context?
'Strikes' can refer to a physical blow (like 'hits' or 'beats'), an industrial action (like 'walks' or 'protests'), the act of discovering something (like 'gold strikes'), or even how a clock chimes ('strikes the hour'). Its meaning depends heavily on the word length and surrounding clues.
How can I identify the correct meaning of 'strikes' in a crossword puzzle?
Look at the number of letters required for the answer. For example, 'HITS' is 4 letters, while 'IMPACTS' is 7. Also, check intersecting letters from other clues, as these are crucial for narrowing down possibilities. Consider the puzzle's theme or any hidden wordplay.
Are there common synonyms for 'strikes' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include HITS, BEATS, CLOCKS (as in 'clocks in'), RAIDS, LASHES, WALKS (for labor disputes), and sometimes even CHIMES or TOLLS when referring to bells.