Choke at a critical moment WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? F
2 ? A
3 ? I
4 ? L
5 ? I
6 ? N
7 ? T
8 ? H
9 ? E
10 ? C
11 ? L
12 ? U
13 ? T
14 ? C
15 ? H
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Interactive Solver for Choke at a critical moment Crossword Clue

Drag letters from the pool into “Your Answer”, then reorder them to match the solution.

Your Answer 15 Letter
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      Hint 1

      hint
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      Think of a car struggling at a crucial gear shift, or a player missing an easy shot when the clock is ticking down.

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      To perform poorly or make a mistake during a critical or high-pressure situation.

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      The phrase '???????????????' refers to the inability to perform effectively in a high-pressure situation, akin to 'choking' when it matters most. 'Clutch' moments are critical points in a game or task where success is crucial. The clue directly describes this situation, making the answer a literal interpretation of the phrase.

      Clue Analysis

      The clue “Choke at a critical moment” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated May 16 2026, the definitive 15-letter answer is: FAILINTHECLUTCH.

      Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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      Choke at a critical moment Crossword Clue