Unfair or excessive (4,3,4) Crossword Clue
Answer: OVER THE ODDS (11 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Unfair or excessive (4,3,4)" with 11 letters is "OVER THE ODDS".Over the odds means unfairly or excessively high, often referring to prices, expectations, or demands. It describes a situation where something costs more or requires more than what is reasonable or justified.
Why “Over the Odds” Fits
The clue asks for a phrase (4,3,4) meaning “unfair or excessive.” The answer, OVER THE ODDS, fits perfectly:
- Unfair or excessive: "Over the odds" is a British idiom meaning more than the usual, fair, or expected amount. It’s said when something costs far too much, or when a demand or situation exceeds what’s reasonable.
- Direct usage: Common in British English, the phrase is applied to prices, requirements, or expectations that are seen as unnecessarily high or inflated.
This established phrase captures the exact sense of excess and unfairness in the clue.
“Over the odds” is a regular feature in conversation and news:
- Origin: The term "odds" comes from betting and probability, but "over the odds" extends to everyday contexts, describing anything beyond fair value or requirement.
- Examples: “You paid over the odds for those tickets.” “The exam was over the odds in difficulty.” It’s especially used in shopping, negotiating, and assessments.
- Context: While the phrase refers literally to betting prices, figuratively it covers unfairness and unreasonable excess, making it a versatile idiom.
"Over the odds" bridges the clue’s requirements for identifiable excess and common usage.
In quick crosswords, clues like “unfair or excessive (4,3,4)”:
- Lead to idiomatic phrases using enumeration—"over the odds," "out of line," "too much for."
- The answer structure (4,3,4) makes "over the odds" the most likely and suitable fill for clues about amounts or conditions surpassing standard levels.
- When clues aim for phrases about money, value, or fairness, "over the odds" is a top choice.
Spotting the idiom and the grid pattern leads efficiently to “over the odds.”
