Unpacking a Tricky Crossword Clue: “Collection of Official Papers (13)”
There’s nothing quite like settling down with a fresh crossword grid, armed with a sharpened pencil and a hopeful spirit. Every solver knows that unique thrill of chipping away at a puzzle, connecting the dots, and experiencing those delightful “aha!” moments. But then there are those clues – the ones that stop you dead in your tracks, make you stare at the ceiling, and send you down mental rabbit holes. Today, let’s shine a spotlight on one such intriguing
crossword clue
that recently caught my eye:
“Collection of official papers (13)“
.
For any dedicated crossword enthusiast, a clue like this immediately signals a few things. First, it’s a straightforward definition, which is often a relief from trickier cryptic wordplay. “Collection of official papers” seems pretty clear-cut, right? But then, the length: thirteen letters. Thirteen! That’s a substantial word, pushing it beyond the realm of common everyday vocabulary for most. It’s clues like these that truly test your breadth of knowledge and your ability to retrieve less-frequently used terms from the deepest corners of your mental lexicon.
When tackling a challenging
crossword clue
of this nature, my approach typically involves a few key steps. First, I break down the definition. “Collection” implies a group, an assortment, or a compilation. “Official papers” narrows it down significantly. We’re not talking about just any old stack of documents; these are sanctioned, authorized, or historically significant records. This immediately makes me think of governmental bodies, historical societies, legal proceedings, or perhaps even highly structured personal archives.
Next, I start free-associating. What words come to mind when I think of “official papers”? Documents, records, files, dossiers, reports, deeds, charters, mandates… the list goes on. But none of these are 13 letters. This is where the real brain work begins. The sheer length of the required answer for this
crossword clue
suggests something specific, possibly a technical term, a historical classification, or a word that perhaps isn’t in the daily conversational rotation.
The beauty of a 13-letter
crossword clue
is that it often forces you to think beyond the obvious. It pushes you to consider synonyms, related concepts, or even foreign loanwords that have made their way into the English language, particularly in specialized contexts. Are we looking for something that describes a physical collection, like an archive, or something more conceptual, like a body of work? The phrasing “collection of” leans heavily towards a tangible grouping.
This particular
crossword clue
serves as a fantastic reminder of how crosswords are not just about word recall, but also about logical deduction and context. If you had some crossing letters, they would be invaluable here, helping to narrow down the possibilities. Without them, you’re relying purely on the definition and the letter count. It’s a delightful mental wrestle, isn’t it?
So, how did you fare with this challenging
crossword clue
? Did it send you spiraling into the depths of your vocabulary, or did the answer come to you in a flash of crossword brilliance? It’s these longer, more specific clues that often provide the most satisfying “Aha!” moment when the correct word finally slots into place, perfectly fulfilling the definition and the letter count. They might seem daunting at first, but mastering them is a huge part of the joy and growth in our solving journey. Keep practicing, and every tricky
crossword clue
will eventually yield its secrets!
Available Answers:
DOCUMENTATION.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 21 July 2025