What scared the Scarecrow WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? F
2 ? I
3 ? R
4 ? E
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Your Answer 4 Letter
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      Hint 1

      hint
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      Think of what might ignite panic in a bundle of straw.

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      ???? is the process of combustion that produces heat, light, and often smoke.

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      In 'The Wizard of Oz,' the Scarecrow is made of straw, making him highly flammable and therefore afraid of ????. The clue plays on this character's specific fear to lead to the answer.

      Hint 4

      another clue
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      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!

      Clue Analysis

      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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      What scared the Scarecrow Crossword Clue