Assist badly? Crossword Clue

Hello everyone!
The clue for your today's crossword puzzle is: "Assist badly?" ,published by L.A. Times Daily. Please check our best answer below:

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

Today's crossword puzzle clue is "Assist badly?" and the answer is "ABET". Let's break down why this clue has this answer:

1. The clue starts with "Assist". This suggests that we are looking for a word that means "to help or support someone."
2. The addition of "badly" implies that the assistance is not provided properly or in a negative way.

Combining these two hints, we can deduce that the answer needs to be a word that means support or help but in a negative or improper manner. The word "ABET" fits this description perfectly.

In the context of the clue, "ABET" means to assist someone in doing something wrong, often in a covert or negative way. It indicates providing aid or encouragement to someone's questionable actions or behaviors.

For example:

• If someone is trying to commit a crime, and another person helps them by providing tools or providing a lookout, they are abetting the criminal.
• In a less severe scenario, if someone is in a debate and their friend secretly feeds them arguments or answers, they are abetting their friend's efforts by providing assistance in a negative or unfair manner.

Therefore, "ABET" is the correct answer for the clue "Assist badly?" as it captures the idea of supporting someone in a negative or improper way rather than providing genuine and positive assistance.

Definition of "ABET"

encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular to commit a crime

Example :

he was not guilty of murder but was guilty of aiding and abetting others

we are aiding and abetting this illegal traffic

 The Crossword clue "Assist badly?" published 4 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
L.A. Times Daily	26 August 2021	ABET
The Washington Post	20 October 2017	ABET