tick off crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "tick off" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer. We're here to make your puzzle-solving experience easier and more enjoyable!
Solutions for "tick off crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
IRK: To annoy or irritate slightly, often used when something causes minor displeasure.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To irritate or vex (someone), a stronger form of 'irk'.
SCOLD: To speak to (someone) angrily or reproachfully, often to reprimand them.
UPSET: To make (someone) unhappy, disappointed, or worried, which can be a result of being 'ticked off'.
6 Letters
REBUKE: To express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions.
7 Letters
UPBRAID: To find fault with (someone); scold, often in a more formal or severe manner.
9 Letters
CASTIGATE: To reprimand (someone) severely, often with harsh criticism or punishment.
More About "tick off crossword clue"
"Tick off" is a versatile phrase that can throw a curveball in crosswords due to its multiple meanings. Primarily, it means to irritate or annoy someone, as in "His constant humming really ticked me off." This is the most common interpretation in puzzles. However, it can also mean to reprimand or scold, like "The teacher ticked off the student for talking." Less frequently, especially in British English, it can refer to checking items on a list, as in "Tick off each task as you complete it." Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the right answer.
When encountering this clue, always consider the surrounding words or the puzzle's theme. If the clue has a negative connotation or refers to a person's reaction, it's likely pointing towards annoyance or reprimand. If it's part of a list-related theme or implies completion, the 'mark as done' meaning might be intended. Our comprehensive list above covers the most frequent answers associated with the 'annoy' and 'reprimand' interpretations, which are predominant in crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters provided is your most crucial hint. Start by seeing which of the common meanings of "tick off" fit the available spaces.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of words that mean similar things to "annoy," "reprimand," or "check." Sometimes, a clue for "tick off" might be a synonym like "vex" or "scold."
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from other clues to narrow down possibilities. If a letter doesn't fit, that answer is incorrect.
- Context is King: Pay attention to the puzzle's overall theme, if any, or how "tick off" might be used in a sentence implied by the clue. This helps differentiate between 'annoy' and 'mark as complete'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'tick off' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'tick off' commonly refers to either annoying or irritating someone, or to marking something as completed on a list. The specific context of the puzzle's theme or other clues usually helps clarify which meaning is intended.
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'tick off'?
Look for synonyms in other clues, the number of letters required, and the overall theme of the puzzle. If the clue mentions an emotion or a person, it likely refers to annoyance. If it relates to tasks or lists, it points to marking something as done.
Are there common synonyms for 'tick off' (annoy) in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include IRK, ANNOY, VEX, RILE, GRATE, UPSET, CHAFE, and PIQUE. For the 'reprimand' meaning, consider SCOLD, CHIDE, REBUKE, or BERATE.