hold your horses crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "hold your horses crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide quick answers and comprehensive explanations to help you solve your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "hold your horses crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WAIT: To delay an action or hold off; a common synonym for 'wait'.
5 Letters
PAUSE: A temporary stop or break in action.
8 Letters
SLOWDOWN: To reduce speed or activity; proceed with caution.
9 Letters
BEPATIENT: To exhibit calmness and tolerance while waiting.
More About "hold your horses crossword"
"Hold your horses" is a classic English idiom meaning "wait" or "slow down." It's often used informally to urge someone to pause, consider, or not act too impulsively. Its origin is thought to come from the literal act of restraining horses, particularly before a race or when they are eager to move forward.
In crosswords, this idiom is a popular clue because it can lead to several concise answers that perfectly capture its essence. Crossword constructors love these types of clues as they test a solver's understanding of idiomatic expressions and their ability to extract the core meaning rather than a literal interpretation. Recognizing it as an idiom is the first step to finding the correct solution.
Depending on the required letter count, possible answers can range from short, direct synonyms like "WAIT" or "STOP" to longer phrases that encapsulate the advice, such as "BE PATIENT" (often seen as a single word in crosswords for space efficiency) or "SLOWDOWN." Always consider the context and the number of letters you need.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Understand Idioms: When you encounter a clue that sounds like an idiom or a common saying, try to figure out its underlying meaning first. "Hold your horses" isn't about actual horses; it's about patience or delay.
- Count Letters Carefully: The number of letters in the answer grid is your most crucial hint. Brainstorm all possible single-word synonyms or phrases that match the meaning of the idiom, then see which one fits the length.
- Check Cross-References: If parts of the word are already filled in from intersecting clues, use those letters as strong indicators for the correct answer. This is especially helpful for trickier idiom clues.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Some words are crossword darlings. For "wait," consider common short answers like "AIDE," "BIDE," or "TARRY" alongside "WAIT" itself, depending on length and context.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "hold your horses" mean in a crossword?
In a crossword, "hold your horses" is an idiom clued for a single word that captures its core meaning: to wait, slow down, or be patient. Common answers include WAIT, PAUSE, or STOP.
Are crossword answers for idioms always literal?
Not always. While some clues might use a direct synonym, idiom clues often require you to think about the underlying meaning of the phrase to find a fitting, concise answer that fits the grid.
How can I find the right length answer for an idiom clue?
Start by brainstorming several synonyms for the idiom's meaning. Then, look at the number of letters required by the crossword grid. This often helps narrow down the possibilities significantly.