Leaves an out (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: HEDGES
Understanding the Clue
- When you hedge, you deliberately avoid making a definitive commitment, leaving yourself room to maneuver or change position later.
- The phrase "leaves an out" perfectly captures this meaning - you're creating an exit strategy or safety net.
- In conversation, someone might hedge by saying "I think so" instead of "yes," or "maybe" instead of giving a firm answer.
- This linguistic strategy protects you from being wrong or locked into a position.The connection to garden hedges isn't accidental.
- Just as physical hedges create boundaries and barriers, verbal hedging creates psychological boundaries that keep you from being pinned down.
- Financial investors hedge their positions to minimize risk, politicians hedge their statements to maintain flexibility, and everyday people hedge in conversations to avoid awkward commitments.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for double meanings: Words that have both literal and figurative definitions are crossword favorites. Common examples include "bat" (animal/sports equipment), "bank" (financial institution/river edge), and "hedges" (plants/evasions).
- Consider the letter count: The number in parentheses tells you exactly how many letters you need. Six-letter words meaning "avoids commitment" are limited, making HEDGES a strong candidate.
- Think about synonyms: If "leaves an out" seems tricky, mentally substitute phrases like "avoids certainty," "plays both sides," or "doesn't fully commit" to trigger recognition.
- Context matters: Look at crossing answers to confirm your guess. If you have H_D_E_, the answer becomes much clearer.
- Common patterns: Crosswords frequently use "-ing" words for actions. While HEDGES doesn't follow this pattern, recognizing standard constructions helps eliminate wrong answers quickly.
Leaves an out (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:What does it mean to hedge in conversation?
Hedging in conversation means using cautious or non-committal language to avoid making definite statements. Examples include "possibly," "perhaps," "I think," "maybe," or "it seems like." This protects the speaker from being definitively wrong.
Q:Why is this crossword clue considered clever?
The clue works on two levels simultaneously - the botanical (hedge plants that border gardens, literally "leaving" a way out) and the behavioral (verbal hedging that provides an escape from commitment). This dual meaning makes it a sophisticated puzzle element.
Q:Are there other common crossword answers for similar clues?
Yes! Related answers include WAFFLES (7 letters), EVADES (6 letters), EQUIVOCATES (11 letters), or STALLS (6 letters). The specific wording of the clue determines which fits best.
Q:How can I get better at these wordplay clues?
Practice recognizing words with multiple meanings, read clues carefully for hints about figurative language, and build your vocabulary of common crossword terms. The more puzzles you solve, the more patterns you'll recognize.
