Today, we’re diving into a fascinating little corner of the lexical labyrinth that is the
crossword clue
: “Frightens away.” At first glance, it seems straightforward, a simple directive. But as any seasoned solver knows, even the most seemingly direct
crossword clue
can hide layers of nuance, demanding a precise understanding of synonyms, context, and the subtle art of wordplay. Let’s unpack this intriguing phrase and explore the pathways to its solution, all without revealing the answer itself, of course!
When you encounter a
crossword clue
like “Frightens away,” the initial instinct is to brainstorm direct synonyms for both “frighten” and “away.” “Frighten” immediately brings to mind words associated with fear, alarm, or causing apprehension. “Away” implies departure, distance, or removal. Combined, the phrase describes an action that causes something or someone to leave due to fear or intimidation.
Dissecting a
crossword clue
often starts with its grammatical structure. “Frightens away” is a verb phrase, likely in the present tense, third person singular (as in, “it frightens away”). This immediately narrows down our search to single verbs that convey this specific action. We’re not looking for a noun, an adjective, or a past-tense verb. This grammatical alignment is crucial in solving crosswords, as setters are meticulous about matching the part of speech.
Consider the different shades of meaning embedded in “frightens away.” Does it imply a gentle deterrence, perhaps to keep birds from a garden without harm? Or does it suggest a more forceful expulsion, driving something off with aggressive intent? The precise intensity can often guide you to the perfect word. Some potential conceptual categories of words that might fit this
crossword clue
include:
1.
Causing Fear to Depart:
Words that directly mean to scare someone or something so much that they flee. This is perhaps the most obvious interpretation, focusing on the “frightens” aspect directly leading to “away.”
2.
Deterrence/Prevention:
Words that mean to discourage or prevent someone or something from approaching or staying, often by instilling a sense of apprehension or unwelcomeness. Here, the fear might be less acute, more about creating an unwelcoming environment.
3.
Repulsion/Expulsion:
Words that describe the act of driving something back or forcing it to leave, often with a sense of pushing it away or repelling its advance. This emphasizes the “away” aspect, with “frightens” being the mechanism.
The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to lead you down several potential paths before the surrounding letters in the grid snap the correct answer into place. For “Frightens away,” a setter might choose a common, everyday verb, or they might opt for a slightly more obscure but equally fitting synonym, testing the solver’s vocabulary depth.
When you’re faced with this particular
crossword clue
in your daily puzzle, think about the context. What is being frightened away? Is it animals, people, bad thoughts? The surrounding letters in the grid will be your ultimate guide, helping you confirm the length and specific letters of the word you’re seeking. Don’t be afraid to try out a few possibilities in your mind, checking how they sound and if they truly capture both the “frightens” and “away” components of the clue. Solving a
crossword clue
like this is a satisfying exercise in linguistic precision!
Available Answers:
SCARESOFF.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Ben Wildman-Tobriner & Stephanie Wildman / Ed. Patti Varol