Spur…or a bum rap? WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? K
2 ? I
3 ? C
4 ? K
5 ? I
6 ? N
7 ? T
8 ? H
9 ? E
10 ? B
11 ? U
12 ? T
13 ? T
light icon Hint

Interactive Solver for Spur...or a bum rap? Crossword Clue

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

Your Answer 13 Letter
    Current guess:
    Letter Pool
      Need a helpful nudge?

      Unlock the puzzle's secrets with Daze's progressive hints!

      Hint 1

      hint
      light icon eye-off icon Reveal Hint

      Think of a forceful nudge that propels you forward, both literally and figuratively.

      Hint 2

      meaning
      light icon eye-off icon Reveal Hint

      A '?????????????' is a motivational push or encouragement to take action.

      Hint 3

      explanation
      light icon eye-off icon Reveal Hint

      The clue uses a double meaning. 'Spur' can refer to a motivation or encouragement, which is metaphorically a '?????????????.' The phrase 'a bum rap' plays on the idea of a 'kick' being a literal action to the posterior, or 'butt.'

      Clue Analysis

      The clue “Spur…or a bum rap?” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated September 20 2025, the definitive 13-letter answer is: KICKINTHEBUTT.

      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.

      Finished the WSJ Puzzle? Check out this link for future puzzles:

      Play the Official Game

      Your Questions, Answered by Experts.

      At Daze Puzzle, we understand that every clue is a puzzle within a larger puzzle. Our team of dedicated human experts and puzzle lovers solves these challenges daily to help you succeed. Below, we answer common questions about this specific clue.

      Spur...or a bum rap? Crossword Clue