Choose the most relative word to complete the analogy: Hamstring : ______ :: Stake : Bet.

Correct answer: Cripple. To hamstring is to cripple, just as a stake is a bet. Both pairs are synonyms.

Background: Hamstring literally means to cut the tendon behind the knee.

• Ride: “Ride” is not a synonym of hamstring.
• Scratch: “Scratch” is not a synonym of hamstring.
• Wager: “Wager” is a synonym of stake, not of hamstring.

Did you know? Figuratively it means to cause something to be crippled or ineffective.

Memory trick: Same relationship: synonym pairs.