Cheat or betray (6-5) Crossword Clue
Answer: DOUBLE-CROSS (11 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Cheat or betray (6-5)" with 11 letters is "DOUBLE-CROSS".Double-cross means to deceive or betray someone, especially after gaining their trust, often by going against their interests. It is commonly used in situations where someone intentionally breaks an agreement or acts in a way that undermines another person, typically for personal gain or advantage.
Why "Double-Cross" Fits
The clue asks for a two-word phrase with pattern (6-5) meaning "cheat or betray." The answer, DOUBLE-CROSS, fits perfectly:
- Cheat or betray: Double-cross means to deceive someone who trusted, effectively betraying them, which matches the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With six letters in the first word and five in the second, the enumeration (6-5) aligns exactly with the phrase.
- Precise meaning: The phrase conveys deliberate betrayal, often in a calculated, two-step deception.
Double-cross is a widely used term in espionage, crime fiction, and everyday language:
Origin and usage:
- The phrase combines “double” (a second, additional) with “cross” (to betray or violate trust), implying a twofold act of treachery.
- It appears in literature, films, and journalism to describe a betrayal after an initial trust or plan.
Context and nuance:
- Often used to describe a planned betrayal within a scheme or undercover operation.
- Conveys a stronger sense of deliberate deception than simpler terms like “betray” or “cheat.”
Examples:
- “The spy executed a double-cross to complete the mission.”
- “They felt betrayed after the double-cross at the negotiations.”
In quick crosswords like “Cheat or betray (6-5),” clues for criminal schemes or treachery often rely on vivid, idiomatic phrases:
Definition: The clue directly defines the action of betraying trust.
Clue type: Straightforward, with a strong common phrase as the answer.
Solving approach:
Consider phrases used in crime fiction and espionage that imply betrayal, such as double-cross or turn-coat (though latter is 9 letters and not a hyphenated form here).
The (6-5) pattern strongly points to a two-word phrase with those exact lengths.
Crossword pattern: Phrases describing deception or betrayal are common in crosswords due to their punchy, memorable nature.
