cutting off crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "cutting off" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and finish your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "cutting off crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CLIP: To sever, trim, or cut with shears or clippers. Often used for hair or film.
7 Letters
LOPPING: The act of cutting off branches or other parts, especially from a tree or plant.
PRUNING: To trim (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness or growth.
8 Letters
SEVERING: Dividing by cutting or splitting apart. Can also mean to put an end to a relationship or connection.
EXCISING: Removing by cutting out, often surgically or in a textual sense.
10 Letters
TRUNCATING: Shortening something by cutting off the top or end. Commonly used in mathematics or computing to describe shortening a number.
More About "cutting off crossword clue"
"Cutting off" is a versatile clue in crosswords because it can refer to a literal physical act, a figurative ending, or even a social action. Physically, it relates to actions like trimming, severing, or lopping parts of something. For instance, pruning a bush or docking an animal's tail are forms of 'cutting off'. Context clues, especially the number of letters and adjacent answers, are vital for distinguishing between these meanings.
Figuratively, 'cutting off' can mean to terminate or abridge something. Think of cutting off a conversation, a supply line, or even a story. In this sense, answers might include words like "ending" or "halting." It can also imply isolation, as in "cutting off" from society, leading to answers like "isolating" or "detaching." The richness of the English language allows crossword setters to play with these multiple interpretations, making the clue challenging but rewarding.
When you encounter this clue, consider the tone and general theme of the puzzle. Is it a nature-themed puzzle where 'lopping' or 'pruning' might fit? Or perhaps a more abstract one where 'severing' a connection or 'truncating' a text is the intended meaning? Paying attention to these nuances will significantly improve your chances of solving it correctly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters provided for the answer. This is your most powerful tool for narrowing down possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "cutting off," think of direct synonyms (sever, trim) but also consider how the opposite action might be clued, which can sometimes provide insight.
- Look for Homographs and Puns: Crossword setters love to use words with multiple meanings or to create puns. "Cutting off" could, in a very tricky clue, refer to something completely unexpected, so keep an open mind.
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them! Even one correct letter can unlock a difficult answer for "cutting off."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cutting off' typically mean in crosswords?
'Cutting off' in crosswords can refer to various actions: physically severing a part, ending something abruptly, reducing or abridging a text, or isolating someone. The specific answer depends heavily on the letter count and surrounding clues.
How can the number of letters help solve 'cutting off' clues?
The number of letters is crucial because it significantly narrows down the possible answers. For instance, a 4-letter answer like 'CLIP' is very different from a 10-letter answer like 'TRUNCATING', even though both relate to 'cutting off'. Always check the given length first.
Are there common synonyms for 'cutting off' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms often used in crosswords include: TRIM, CHOP, PRUNE, SEVER, LOP, HALT, END, STOP, ISOLATE, ABRIDGE, REMOVE, DOCK, SHEAR. The context of the puzzle will dictate which synonym is appropriate.