Ovation, starting with both hips? (5,6) Crossword Clue
Answer: THREE CHEERS (11 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Ovation, starting with both hips? (5,6)" with 11 letters is "THREE CHEERS".Three cheers is an expression used to show enthusiastic approval or praise, typically shouted in a group as a celebration or to honor someone. It is often heard at events or moments of accomplishment, where the crowd cheers loudly, saying "Hip, hip, hooray!" three times to show support.
Why “Three Cheers” Fits
The clue asks for a phrase (5,6) meaning “ovation.” The answer, THREE CHEERS, fits perfectly:
- Ovation: Three cheers refers to the traditional collective expression of applause or celebration, commonly given as ‘Hip, hip, hooray!’ repeated three times — exactly matching the sense of an ovation.
- Direct match: With eleven letters arranged as (5,6), three cheers fits the clue’s enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The phrase symbolizes formal group approval, recognition, or joyful acclaim — aligning completely with “ovation.”
The expression three cheers has deep social and cultural significance:
- Origin and usage: The practice dates back to the 18th century. The word cheer originally meant “shout of encouragement or approval.” The formula “three cheers” became established when crowds repeated cheers thrice for emphasis and rhythm — a symbolic way of uniting voices in celebration.
Contexts:
- Ceremonial: Used in formal settings like toasts, ceremonies, and celebrations — “Let’s give the captain three cheers!”
- Sporting and military: A time-honored pattern to honor victories or leaders.
- Everyday enthusiasm: Describing loud, communal approval or excitement.
Examples:
- “The audience gave three cheers for the team after their victory.”
- “Three cheers for the bride and groom!”
- “His recovery brought three cheers from relieved family members.”
In quick crosswords like “ovation, starting with both hips? (5,6)”, solvers should pay attention to playful hints and idiomatic wordplay:
- The clue’s phrase “starting with both hips?” cleverly hints at the start of the cheer “Hip, hip, hooray!” — thus leading to the answer three cheers.
- The enumeration (5,6) reliably signals a familiar phrase rather than an obscure term.
- “Ovation” acts as the simple definition, while the rest (“starting with both hips”) provides wordplay pointing toward the formulaic cheer that begins with “Hip, hip.”
- Clues mixing literal and figurative cues like this are typical of general knowledge crosswords testing cultural familiarity.
