I despise these kinds of crossword clues

It took me more than 3 minutes to complete the crossword puzzle below, which isn’t entirely unusual given I’ve never done crossword puzzles until a couple of years ago and only do the New York Times mini crossword every day.

But in this case, it was one clue, 4 across, that really stuck me:

Stop flickering, as a candle

The answer, as you can see is GOOUT.

I did not know this word. I had never heard of this word. I wasn’t entirely sure how to even pronounce this word.

So although the clue caused me some trouble and cost me some time, I was happy. I had learned a new word. I couldn’t wait to tell my friends and students about this new word.

GOOUT. To stop flickering, as in a candle.

I was riding on my bike later that day when the word returned to my mind:

GOOUT: To stop flickering, as a candle

Then it hit me:

GO OUT. To stop flickering means to go out.

Have I mentioned how much I despise the multiple word clues? I know they are a staple in crossword puzzles, but they are stupid. A cheat. A no good workaround by puzzle makers who should really just do better.

It’s called a crossword. Not a crosswords.

Again, I know this is how a crossword are made. It’s how they’ve always been made. But try imagining coming to crossword puzzles for the very first time in your life. Would you really expect some answers to contain two or even three words?

I didn’t. I still don’t. Just find a damn word.

I hate the multiple word clues so much.

And it’s not just because I spent half a day thinking “goout” was a word.

That’s just me being stupid, too.