Tore

Answer:

SPED

Hint:

Think of a past tense verb meaning "moved very quickly," often used when someone is in a hurry or racing. It rhymes with a word for "a plant seed."

Explanation:

"Tore" is a homophone clue—it sounds like "tore" (past tense of tear) but hints at "sped," which sounds like "sped" (as in "tore through" something quickly). The trick is that "tore" can mean both ripping and moving fast, so the setter plays on the double meaning. Think of a car "tearing down the road" to get the idea of speed, leading to "sped."

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General solving tip

Words like 'said,' 'reportedly,' or 'sounds like' point to homophones—an answer that sounds like another word or phrase. Read the clue aloud in your head.

More tips → General Hints