Cryptic crossword clue
Encourage sudden effort to knock out finalist? 4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word SPUR

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The straight part

We know that "Encourage" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case encourage = spur.

The cryptic/wordplay part

In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SPUR mean?

1. A rigid implement, often roughly y-shaped, that is fixed to one's heel for the purpose of prodding a horse. Often worn by, and emblematic of, the cowboy or the knight.
2. A jab given with the spurs.
3. Anything that inspires or motivates, as a spur does a horse.
4. An appendage or spike pointing rearward, near the foot, for instance that of a rooster.
5. Any protruding part connected at one end, for instance a highway that extends from another highway into a city.
6. Roots, tree roots.
7. A mountain that shoots from another mountain or range and extends some distance in a lateral direction, or at right angles.
8. A spiked iron worn by seamen upon the bottom of the boot, to enable them to stand upon the carcass of a whale to strip off the blubber.
9. A brace strengthening a post and some connected part, such as a rafter or crossbeam; a strut.
10. The short wooden buttress of a post.
11. A projection from the round base of a column, occupying the angle of a square plinth upon which the base rests, or bringing the bottom bed of the base to a nearly square form. It is generally carved in leafage.
12. Ergotized rye or other grain.
13. A wall in a fortification that crosses a part of a rampart and joins to an inner wall.
14. A piece of timber fixed on the bilgeways before launching, having the upper ends bolted to the vessel's side.
15. A curved piece of timber serving as a half to support the deck where a whole beam cannot be placed.
16. A branch of a vein.
17. A very short branch line of a railway line.
18. A short thin side shoot from a branch, especially one that bears fruit or, in conifers, the shoots that bear the leaves.

1. To prod (especially a horse) on the side or flank, with the intent to urge motion or haste, to gig.
2. To urge or encourage to action, or to a more vigorous pursuit of an object
3. To put spurs on.
4. To press forward; to travel in great haste.

1. A tern.

1. A spurious tone, one that interferes with a signal in a circuit and is often masked underneath that signal.

1. The track of an animal, such as an otter; a spoor.

1. To ask, to inquire

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