skedaddles crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your go-to source for solving tricky crossword clues. On this page, you'll find all possible answers and detailed explanations for the clue "skedaddles crossword clue", ensuring you can complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "skedaddles crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
FLEES: To run away from danger or pursuit. This is a very common synonym for quickly departing.
BOLTS: To run away suddenly or quickly. Often implies a rapid and perhaps unexpected departure.
6 Letters
SCRAMS: An informal term meaning to leave quickly, often used as an imperative to get someone to go away.
7 Letters
DEPARTS: To leave, especially to start a journey. While broader, it certainly fits the act of leaving quickly in some contexts.
VAMOOSE: To depart quickly. This is an informal, somewhat old-fashioned term with a clear sense of hurrying away.
8 Letters
ABSCONDS: To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to escape from custody or avoid arrest. This implies a more clandestine and urgent departure.
More About "skedaddles crossword clue"
The word "skedaddle" is an informal term meaning to run away or depart quickly. It gained popularity during the American Civil War, though its exact origin is debated, possibly deriving from a Scandinavian word or a combination of English dialect words. In crosswords, clues like "skedaddles" test your vocabulary for synonyms related to rapid departure, escape, or hasty movement.
Crossword constructors love words like "skedaddle" because they offer a range of synonyms with varying nuances and letter counts. From the more common "FLEES" or "BOLTS" to slightly more formal "ABSCONDS" or informal "SCRAMS," the answer often depends on the surrounding letters and the specific style of the puzzle. Understanding these subtle differences can be key to unlocking the correct solution.
When you encounter "skedaddles" in a puzzle, think about scenarios where someone would need to leave in a hurry – perhaps to avoid something, to escape, or simply to get somewhere quickly. This contextual thinking, combined with checking letter counts, will guide you to the right answer, making even the most challenging clues solvable.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match potential answers to the given letter count. For "skedaddles," knowing if it's a 5-letter or 8-letter word immediately narrows down your options significantly.
- Consider Synonyms & Nuances: Brainstorm all possible synonyms for the clue. Then, think about the subtle differences between them. Does "skedaddle" imply secrecy (like ABSCONDS) or just speed (like FLEES)?
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. The letters filled in by intersecting horizontal or vertical clues are your best friends in confirming or eliminating potential answers.
- Think About Slang vs. Formal: Sometimes the clue's tone (like "skedaddles" being informal) can suggest whether the answer should be a formal word like ABSCONDS or a more casual one like SCRAMS.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "skedaddle" mean in a crossword context?
"Skedaddle" means to leave quickly or hurriedly. In crosswords, it often clues synonyms like FLEES, BOLTS, SCRAMS, or ABSCONDS, focusing on the act of rapid departure.
How can I identify the correct "skedaddles" answer in a crossword?
Pay attention to the letter count provided. Also, look at intersecting letters from other clues. The tone of the clue (e.g., formal vs. informal) might also hint at the best synonym (e.g., ABSCONDS is more formal than SCRAMS).
Are there common traps with "skedaddles" clues?
Sometimes setters use slight variations or less common synonyms. Ensure your chosen answer fits the overall puzzle's theme and the exact nuance of the clue if it's not a straightforward synonym. Always double-check intersecting words.