flog crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "flog" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "flog crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WHIP: To strike someone or something with a whip or similar implement.
LASH: To strike with a whip or stick, or to beat severely.
BEAT: To strike repeatedly and hard, often with an implement.
5 Letters
WHALE: An informal term meaning to beat or thrash someone.
FLAIL: To beat or thrash, often with a loose, uncontrolled motion.
6 Letters
THRASH: To beat or hit repeatedly and violently.
PUMMEL: To strike repeatedly with the fists.
7 Letters
SCOURGE: To inflict punishment or suffering upon, often using a whip-like instrument.
TROUNCE: To defeat heavily in a contest, or to punish severely.
More About "flog crossword clue"
"Flog" is a classic crossword clue that often appears in puzzles, testing a solver's vocabulary for synonyms related to beating, punishing, or striking. While its primary meaning is quite direct – to beat with a whip or stick – setters often employ it to lead solvers towards various words with similar connotations but different nuances or contexts. For instance, "flog" can imply a severe punishment, a repetitive action, or even a determined effort to sell something (as in 'flogging wares').
When you encounter "flog" in a crossword, consider the length of the required answer first. Short answers like WHIP or BEAT are common, but longer options such as THRASH or SCOURGE might be needed for more complex puzzles. Always cross-reference with intersecting letters to confirm your choice. The beauty of such a clue lies in its ability to have multiple valid answers depending on the setter's intended meaning and the specific wordplay involved in the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. This is the most crucial step in narrowing down possibilities for clues like "flog" which have multiple synonyms.
- Consider Nuance and Context: While many words mean "to beat," some have specific connotations (e.g., WHIP suggests a specific tool, PUMMEL suggests fists). Look at the puzzle's theme or other clues for subtle hints.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is to see if it fits with the letters of the words crossing it. If a letter doesn't match, your assumed answer is incorrect.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, "flog" might refer to its less common meaning of selling aggressively. If typical "beating" synonyms don't fit, consider alternative interpretations of the word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "flog" mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, "flog" typically refers to various forms of beating, striking, or chastising. Common synonyms used as answers include whip, lash, beat, thrash, or scourge. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the surrounding clues.
Are there common alternative meanings for "flog" in crosswords?
While primarily meaning to beat, "flog" can also refer to selling goods, especially in an aggressive or persistent manner (e.g., 'flogging a dead horse' meaning to waste effort on a lost cause, or simply 'to sell'). Crossword setters sometimes play on these less common meanings to make clues trickier.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'WHIP' and 'LASH'?
Often, the number of letters is the primary differentiator. If both fit the length, consider the nuance: 'WHIP' implies using a specific tool, while 'LASH' can be more general or suggest a sudden, forceful strike. Context from intersecting words is crucial for narrowing down the correct option.