Put on the brakes (10) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DECELERATE
Understanding DECELERATE as Your Crossword Solution
- DECELERATE is the 10-letter answer to the crossword clue "put on the brakes." This verb perfectly captures the action of slowing down or reducing speed, whether you're talking about vehicles, processes, or even life's pace.
- When solvers encounter this clue, they're looking for a term that means to apply brakes or decrease velocity in any context.
- The word decelerate combines the Latin prefix "de-" (meaning down or away) with "celerare" (to hasten), literally translating to "slow down from speed."
- It's the precise opposite of accelerate and commonly appears in crossword puzzles due to its perfect letter count and clear definition.
Common Crossword Variations and Similar Clues
- Crossword enthusiasts will notice that "put on the brakes" appears with slight variations across different puzzles.
- You might encounter clues like "apply the brakes," "slow down significantly," or "reduce speed gradually"—all pointing toward decelerate as the solution.
- Other related clues that lead to the same answer include "opposite of accelerate," "what braking does," or "slow one's pace."
- The beauty of crossword construction lies in these subtle phrasings that all converge on a single, elegant solution.
- Understanding these variations helps solvers recognize patterns and improve their puzzle-solving speed.
Tips for Solving "Put on the Brakes" Clues
- When you spot this clue in your crossword, count the available spaces first. If you see 10 letters, decelerate should immediately come to mind.
- Look for crossing words that might confirm your answer—particularly the first letter "D" or the distinctive "C" in the middle.
- Consider the puzzle's difficulty level too. In easier puzzles, the clue might be more straightforward ("slow down"), while challenging cryptic crosswords could disguise it with wordplay.
- Always check if the clue has a question mark, which typically indicates a pun or non-literal interpretation, though "put on the brakes" usually remains straightforward.
Put on the brakes (10) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between decelerate and brake?
Decelerate describes the act of slowing down, while brake refers to the physical device or action that causes deceleration. You brake to decelerate.
Q: Are there other 10-letter answers for "put on the brakes"?
DECELERATE is the most common 10-letter solution. Occasionally, constructors might use alternatives, but they're rare for this specific clue length.
Q: Is decelerate used in everyday conversation?
While "slow down" is more common in casual speech, decelerate appears frequently in technical writing, driving instruction, and professional contexts.
Q: Can decelerate be used metaphorically?
Absolutely. People commonly use decelerate to describe slowing down processes, plans, emotions, or life pace—not just physical movement.
Q: What's the opposite of decelerate in crosswords?
ACCELERATE (10 letters) is the perfect antonym and equally popular in crossword puzzles for clues about speeding up.
