What scared the Scarecrow WSJ Crossword Clue

By Date: JAN 10, 2026 Follow on Google

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Clue

The most common and recent 4-letter answer for "What scared the Scarecrow" is FIRE.
In 'The Wizard of Oz,' the Scarecrow is made of straw, making him highly flammable and therefore afraid of fire. The clue plays on this character's specific fear to lead to the answer.
This clue was last seen in the WSJ Crossword on January 10, 2026.
Fire is the process of combustion that produces heat, light, and often smoke.
Awesome, in slang, Exceptionally good, in Gen Z slang, Let go of, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a ___" (old maxim), It's lit!

The clue “What scared the Scarecrow” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated January 10 2026, the definitive 4-letter answer is: FIRE.

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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