gung ho crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

More About "gung ho"

"Gung ho" is an English idiom that describes someone who is extremely enthusiastic, zealous, or eager, particularly in a bold or aggressive manner. Originating from the Chinese phrase "gōng hé" (工合), meaning "work together" or "industrial cooperatives," it gained prominence in English after being adopted by U.S. Marines during World War II. Lieutenant Colonel Evans Carlson, who led Carlson's Raiders, used it as a motto to instill a spirit of teamwork and enthusiasm.

While often used positively to denote high morale and readiness, it can sometimes carry a slight negative connotation, implying someone is perhaps too eager or recklessly enthusiastic without proper planning. In crosswords, however, the clue almost universally refers to the positive aspects of this enthusiasm, pointing towards synonyms that reflect energy, readiness, and spirited action.

Understanding the nuance of "gung ho" helps in identifying the best answer. Context within the puzzle, such as surrounding letters or the puzzle's theme, can often guide you to the exact synonym required, whether it's a direct synonym like EAGER or a more descriptive one like ZEALOUS.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

• Analyze the Word Length: For clues like "gung ho," the number of letters is crucial. Shorter answers might be KEEN or EAGER, while longer ones could be ZEALOUS or similar.
• Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think about words that mean the same as "gung ho" (enthusiastic, eager) and sometimes even their opposites, as crosswords occasionally use antonyms as clues.
• Context is Key: Pay attention to other clues in the puzzle. Sometimes, a related clue or a theme can give you hints about the expected tone or specific type of synonym.
• Don't Be Afraid to Guess and Check: If you're stuck between a few possibilities, try writing one in lightly. If it doesn't fit with intersecting words, you know to try another.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.