The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word WALLOPS
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The straight part
We know that "routs" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case routs = wallops.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 WALLOPS mean?
WALLOPS noun- A heavy blow, punch.
- A person's ability to throw such punches.
- An emotional impact, psychological force.
- A thrill, emotionally excited reaction.
- Anything produced by a process that involves boiling; beer, tea, whitewash.
- A thick piece of fat.
- A quick rolling movement; a gallop.
- To rush hastily.
- To flounder, wallow.
- To boil with a continued bubbling or heaving and rolling, with noise.
- To strike heavily, thrash soundly.
- To trounce, beat by a wide margin.
- To wrap up temporarily.
- To move in a rolling, cumbersome manner; to waddle.
- To be slatternly.
- To send a message to all operators on an Internet Relay Chat server.