Stuck on “Right at that Moment”? Cracking the Code of a Tricky Crossword Clue
Crossword puzzles, those daily brain workouts, can be a source of immense satisfaction, or a frustrating roadblock. You know that feeling, staring at the grid, a single clue mocking your intelligence? Today, we’re diving into a common type of head-scratcher: “Right at that moment (5,3,4)“.
This kind of clue, seemingly straightforward, often holds hidden depths. It appears simple, a temporal marker, but its true meaning lies in the subtle art of wordplay and recognizing the different facets of language. So, what makes this particular format so challenging?
Firstly, the numbers in parentheses – (5,3,4) – dictate the structure of the answer. This tells us the solution is a phrase comprised of three words: a five-letter word, a three-letter word, and a four-letter word, in that precise order. This is crucial. Don’t go searching for a single twelve-letter word synonym.
Secondly, we need to examine the core meaning of “Right at that moment.” Think synonyms. What are other ways to express immediacy or the exact time of something happening? Consider words like: instantly, presently, directly, or precisely. Now, how can you translate one of these ideas into a combination of a five-letter word, a three-letter word, and a four-letter word?
The trick often lies in looking for less common interpretations of the words within the clue. “Right” doesn’t always refer to what is correct; it can also indicate a direction or a legal claim. “Moment” could be something small, a unit of time or, as in chemistry, a measure of magnitude.
Think about common phrases that involve those number of letters. Are there idioms or sayings that fit the bill? Often, crossword clues rely on these familiar expressions, twisting them just enough to be challenging.
Don’t dismiss less literal possibilities. Crossword setters are known for their clever use of metaphors and analogies. Could “Right at that moment” be a metaphor for a specific action or event?
Break down each segment of the clue. What five-letter words are associated with immediacy? What three-letter words can connect a time of action with the other words in the solution. What four-letter words fit the context of the phrase?
Don’t limit yourself to surface-level definitions. Use a thesaurus, but do so wisely. Focus on words that fit both the length constraints and the underlying meaning of the clue. Think about the context of the entire crossword puzzle. Are there themes or related words in other clues that might provide a hint?
Finally, remember the power of cross-letters. If you’ve already solved some intersecting clues, use those letters as anchors to narrow down the possibilities for this one. Even a single letter can make a huge difference!
Solving crosswords often requires thinking outside the box and accepting that the most obvious answer isn’t always the correct one. So, arm yourself with patience, a good vocabulary, and a willingness to explore different interpretations and you’ll be one step closer to completing the grid. Good luck!
Available Answers:
THEREANDTHEN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Wednesday, 13 August 2025