The Clue
Hold a horse back until the homestretch (4 letter answer)
The Answer
RATE
Tags
Notes
The answer RATE is seen frequently, appearing about once every 50 puzzles.
Related Clues
Appraise
Assess
Charge
Classify
Deserve
Esteem
Estimate
Evaluate
Fare
Judge
Pace
Price
Rank
Regulate
Scold
Speed
Bank posting
Be worthy of
Birth or tax
Fixed fee
Gain popularity
Give marks to
Give stars to
Have status
Put on a scale
Size up
Assign an "R," say
Assign stars to, say
Be in good standing
Charge per unit
Figure on an electric bill
Give a 5, e.g.
Miles per hour
Sometimes it's cut
Utility bill datum
Credit card statement figure
Deserve special perks, say
Five cents a minute, e.g.
What Siskel and Ebert do
Word after going or flat
Words per minute, e.g.
Definition
RATE as a noun:
1. (rate, charge per unit) = amount of a charge or payment relative to some basis; "a 10-minute phone call at that rate would cost $5"
2. a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit; "they traveled at a rate of 55 miles per hour"; "the rate of change was faster than expected"
3. (pace, rate) = the relative speed of progress or change; "he lived at a fast pace"; "he works at a great rate"; "the pace of events accelerated"
4. a quantity or amount or measure considered as a proportion of another quantity or amount or measure; "the literacy rate"; "the retention rate"; "the dropout rate"
RATE as a verb:
1. (rate, rank, range, order, grade, place) = assign a rank or rating to; "how would you rank these students?"; "The restaurant is rated highly in the food guide"
2. be worthy of or have a certain rating; "This bond rates highly"
3. (rate, value) = estimate the value of; "How would you rate his chances to become President?"; "Gold was rated highly among the Romans"