egg on crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "egg on" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find common solutions organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "egg on crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
URGE: To strongly encourage or push someone to do something, often to take action.
GOAD: To provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate some action or reaction, often persistently.
SPUR: To encourage an activity or development, or to drive someone forward.
6 Letters
INCITE: To encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior), or to prompt strong action.
EXHORT: To strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something, often with moral persuasion.
More About "egg on crossword"
The phrase "egg on" is a classic crossword staple because it's a phrasal verb that requires a specific, often less direct, synonym than a simple verb. It means to encourage, incite, or prod someone to do something, frequently implying a mischievous or daring act. Understanding this nuance is key to finding the correct answer in your puzzle.
Crossword setters love using such idiomatic expressions to test solvers' vocabulary and their ability to think beyond literal definitions. When you see "egg on," don't just think "encourage"; think about the more active, pushy synonyms that fit the length.
Recognizing these common phrases and their associated single-word answers can significantly speed up your solving process. Keep a mental dictionary of such clues and their typical solutions, and you'll find your solving skills improving with every puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Type: Is it a definition, a pun, an anagram, or a phrase? "Egg on" is a definition of a phrasal verb.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: For clues like "egg on," brainstorm words that capture its specific meaning (to incite, prod, urge) rather than just general synonyms for encouragement.
- Pay Attention to Letter Count: This is your most powerful tool. Once you have a few potential answers, check which one fits the required number of letters.
- Look for Cross-References: Use intersecting letters from solved clues to confirm or eliminate possibilities for "egg on."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crossword clues often use common phrases like 'egg on'?
Phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions like 'egg on' are common in crosswords because they can have multiple meanings or require the solver to think beyond literal interpretations. They often lead to single-word synonyms that are less obvious, adding to the challenge and satisfaction of solving.
What's the best way to approach a crossword clue that's a phrasal verb?
When encountering a phrasal verb clue, first try to determine its core meaning. For 'egg on,' think 'to encourage.' Then, brainstorm single-word synonyms for that core meaning, considering the required letter count. Common synonyms for encouragement (like URGE, GOAD, SPUR, INCITE) are good starting points.
Are 'egg on' and 'encourage' interchangeable in crosswords?
While 'egg on' means to encourage, it often implies a more forceful or even negative encouragement to do something mischievous or risky. 'Encourage' is a broader term. In crosswords, 'egg on' will typically lead to more specific synonyms like URGE, GOAD, or INCITE, which capture that particular nuance, rather than just 'ENCOURAGE' itself, unless the letter count strictly demands it.