The Clue
Gum up the works (4 letter answer)
The Answer
RUIN
Tags
Notes
The answer RUIN is seen frequently, appearing about once every 100 puzzles.
Related Clues
Bankrupt
Bankruptcy
Botch
Crush
Demolish
Destroy
Destruction
Devastate
Dilapidation
Downfall
Havoc
Impoverish
Pauperize
Perdition
Spoil
Torpedo
Total
Undo
Wrack and ___
Wreck
Wreckage
Archaeological site
Archeological find
Archeological site
Archeologist's find
Completely botch
Decaying state
Dilapidated building
Make a mess of
Partner of wrack
Rack's partner
Render useless
Spoil completely
Wrack's partner
Knock into a cocked hat
Definition
RUIN as a noun:
1. (ruin, ruination) = an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction; "you have brought ruin on this entire family"
2. a ruined building; "they explored several Roman ruins"
3. (dilapidation, ruin) = the process of becoming dilapidated
4. (ruin, ruination) = an event that results in destruction
5. (downfall, ruin, ruination) = failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
6. (laying waste, ruin, ruining, ruination, wrecking) = destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined
RUIN as a verb:
1. (destroy, ruin) = destroy completely; damage irreparably; "You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!"; "The tears ruined her make-up"
2. destroy or cause to fail; "This behavior will ruin your chances of winning the election"
3. (bankrupt, ruin, break, smash) = reduce to bankruptcy; "My daughter's fancy wedding is going to break me!"; "The slump in the financial markets smashed him"
4. reduce to ruins; "The country lay ruined after the war"
5. (deflower, ruin) = deprive of virginity; "This dirty old man deflowered several young girls in the village"
6. fall into ruin