Drive Away Crossword Clue: Unraveling the Answers and Strategies

Understanding the Many Facets of Driving Away

Definition and Context

To conquer a “drive away” clue, the first step is to truly grasp what the phrase entails. It’s not just a single action; it’s a concept with multiple interpretations. The fundamental meaning revolves around causing something or someone to leave, whether it’s a person, an animal, or even an abstract entity like sadness or fear. Think about it: “drive away” can suggest causing someone to depart from a location, as in “drive away the unwelcome guests.” It can also mean to dispel or remove something, such as “drive away the dark clouds.” Finally, it can refer to the act of repelling or keeping something at a distance, such as “drive away the pesky mosquitoes.”

Key Considerations

The specific context of the crossword clue is key. A well-crafted clue will often offer hints about the subject being driven away, the means by which it’s being driven away, or the reason for driving it away. For example, a clue referring to driving away flies is obviously looking for a different answer than a clue about driving away a rival in a competition. It’s also essential to remember that crossword clues can play on double meanings, puns, and other wordplay techniques. A seemingly straightforward “drive away” clue could actually be hinting at a word with a metaphorical connection to departure or banishment.

Potential Solutions to the Puzzle

Common Answers

The range of possible answers for a “drive away” crossword clue can be quite extensive. The best answer hinges on the length of the word and the context established by the other clues in the puzzle. Let’s explore some of the most common and reliable solutions:

SHOO

This is perhaps the most straightforward and frequently used answer. “Shoo” is a verb that directly means to drive away, especially animals or unwanted visitors. It is concise, fitting perfectly when a four-letter word is required. *Example:* “Drive away a cat (4 letters)” – The answer is “SHOO”.

CHASE

This versatile word covers both literal and figurative meanings. You can “chase away” an animal or a pursuer. It can also relate to “chasing” a feeling. It’s a solid choice when the clue implies active pursuit or expulsion. *Example:* “Drive away a trespasser (5 letters)” – The answer is “CHASE.”

REPEL

This word implies pushing something back or keeping it at bay. It’s suitable when the clue suggests warding off or preventing an unwanted presence. *Example:* “Drive away insects (5 letters)” – The answer is “REPEL.”

DETERS

If the goal is to discourage something from happening, “deters” becomes a fitting answer. It suggests preventing or dissuading an action or a person. *Example:* “Drive away wrongdoers (6 letters)” – The answer is “DETERS.”

EJECT

This signifies forcing something or someone out. It implies a more forceful removal than simply driving away. *Example:* “Drive away a player from the game (5 letters)” – The answer is “EJECT.”

BANISH

This implies exiling someone, removing them from a place or a community. *Example:* “Drive away from a place (7 letters)” – The answer is “BANISH.”

WARD OFF

To protect oneself or others from something by driving it away. *Example:* “Drive away harm (8 letters)” – The answer is “WARD OFF.”

DISPEL

To cause (something) to go away. *Example:* “Drive away darkness (6 letters)” – The answer is “DISPEL.”

Other possibilities

Other potential answers that could fit the context of a “drive away” clue include “EXILE,” “AVERT,” “REMOVES,” “EVADES,” “AVOID,” and “DISMISS.” The key is to consider the meaning of the clue and how well the word aligns with the context of the overall puzzle.

Strategies for Cracking the Code

Letter Count and Context

Solving “drive away” clues effectively requires a combination of knowledge and strategic thinking. Here’s how to approach them:

Begin by counting the number of letters. This provides an immediate constraint and narrows down your options. If the clue specifies a five-letter answer, that eliminates all the words that do not have five letters.

Cross-Clue Analysis and Theme Consideration

Examine any surrounding clues. Crossword puzzles are a web of interconnected words. The clues that intersect with the “drive away” clue can provide valuable hints. Look for letters that have already been filled in. These crossing letters can greatly influence your choice of words.

Consider the context of the overall puzzle. Is there a specific theme? Are all the clues relating to a certain subject? Knowing the theme of the puzzle can help you narrow down the possibilities.

Synonyms and Elimination

Try to think of synonyms for “drive away.” Brainstorming a list of alternative words can trigger your memory and help you discover the right answer.

Use the process of elimination. Start with the most likely answers and test them. If a word doesn’t fit the crossing letters or doesn’t make sense in the context of the other clues, eliminate it and move on to the next possibility.

Resource Utilization

Don’t be afraid to use a dictionary or thesaurus. These resources are essential for crossword solvers. They can help you find the perfect word or verify its meaning.

The Vocabulary of Driving Away

Synonyms and Definitions

Expanding your vocabulary of words related to “drive away” is crucial for becoming a skilled crossword solver. Here’s a list of words that can also be a useful answer to the clue “drive away”:

• **Repel:** To push something or someone away. *Example:* “The spray can repel mosquitoes.”
• **Deter:** To discourage someone from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences. *Example:* “The high price of gas deters people from driving.”
• **Frighten off:** To scare someone away. *Example:* “The loud noise frightened off the birds.”
• **Chase away:** To pursue something and drive it away. *Example:* “The dog chased away the squirrel.”
• **Ban:** To prohibit something officially. *Example:* “The city banned smoking in public places.”
• **Expel:** To force someone to leave a place. *Example:* “The school expelled the student for misbehavior.”
• **Evict:** To force someone to leave a property. *Example:* “The landlord evicted the tenant for not paying rent.”
• **Avert:** To turn away, to prevent or ward off. *Example:* “She averted her gaze.”
• **Exclude:** To prevent someone from entering or taking part in. *Example:* “The club excluded him from membership.”
• **Remove:** To take something or someone away from a place. *Example:* “They removed the injured person from the car.”

Importance of Vocabulary

Learning these synonyms and their subtle differences in meaning will vastly improve your ability to tackle “drive away” clues.

Examples of How the Clues are Formed

Here are some examples of how “drive away” clues might appear in a crossword puzzle, along with their answers:

• “Drive away, as insects (5 letters)” – REPEL
• “Drive away, to get rid of (6 letters)” – REMOVE
• “Drive away, often a pest (4 letters)” – SHOO
• “Drive away, a bad feeling (6 letters)” – DISPEL
• “Drive away, often a bird from a garden (5 letters)” – CHASE
• “Drive away, like a criminal (6 letters)” – BANISH

These examples show the diverse ways in which the “drive away” concept can be phrased in a clue. The key is to pay close attention to the number of letters, the surrounding clues, and the context of the puzzle.

Common Issues and Handy Advice

Challenges

Several common difficulties can hinder your progress while trying to solve a “drive away” clue:

• **Overthinking:** Don’t get bogged down trying to find overly complex answers. The simplest solutions are often the correct ones.
• **Context Misunderstanding:** Be certain that you understand what the clue wants you to drive away. For example, if the clue mentions a type of animal, there is a high probability that the answer will refer to that type of animal.
• **Synonym Confusion:** With so many possible synonyms, it’s easy to get confused. Make sure you understand the nuances of each word.
• **Incorrect Letter Count:** A simple mistake in counting the letters can lead you down the wrong path. Always double-check the length of the answer.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you get past those hurdles:

• **Patience:** Solving crosswords requires patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the answer immediately.
• **Practice:** The more crosswords you solve, the better you will become at recognizing patterns and understanding clues.
• **Utilize Resources:** A dictionary, thesaurus, and online crossword dictionaries are your best friends.
• **Start with Easier Clues:** If you are stuck, move on to other clues and come back to the difficult ones later. The intersecting letters can provide valuable clues.
• **Have Fun!** Crosswords are meant to be enjoyed. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.

By mastering the art of solving “drive away” clues, you will become a more confident and accomplished crossword solver. Remember to stay curious, keep learning, and embrace the challenge!