That Tricky “Slipped Past” Crossword Clue
Okay, puzzle enthusiasts, let’s dive into another brain-tickler! Today we’re dissecting the crossword clue:
“Slipped Past.”
It seems simple enough on the surface, but as any seasoned solver knows, seemingly straightforward clues can often be the most devilishly deceptive.
The beauty (and sometimes the frustration!) of crossword clues lies in their inherent ambiguity. A phrase like “Slipped Past” can be interpreted in a myriad of ways, opening up a Pandora’s Box of potential solutions. We need to consider all angles, from literal interpretations to more figurative or even historical contexts.
What actions constitute “slipping past”? Think of physical movement. Could it involve stealth? Agility? Perhaps something that’s small and nimble? Imagine a tiny creature, effortlessly navigating through obstacles. Or a subtle change that goes unnoticed.
Then we have the more abstract interpretations. Does “Slipped Past” refer to an opportunity missed? A responsibility evaded? Maybe it speaks to a deadline that wasn’t met or a fleeting moment that vanished into the ether. These possibilities lead us down a path of considering words associated with negligence, oversight, or even deception.
The key is to consider the overall theme of the crossword puzzle itself. Are there clues that hint at a particular subject matter? Perhaps the crossword has a literary slant, and “Slipped Past” refers to a character in a novel who managed to evade capture. Or maybe the puzzle is themed around sports, and the clue relates to a player’s clever maneuver on the field. Identifying the theme, even vaguely, can drastically narrow down your options and give you a crucial advantage.
The length of the answer is also a vital piece of information. A three-letter word will require a completely different thought process than a ten-letter word. This constraint immediately eliminates many possibilities and forces you to focus on words that fit the grid. Don’t underestimate the power of counting those squares!
Furthermore, look at the intersecting letters. These existing letters act as anchors, providing invaluable clues about the remaining letters in the answer. They can confirm your suspicions about a particular word or completely derail your initial assumptions, sending you back to the drawing board. Intersecting letters are a crossword solver’s best friend, offering concrete evidence amidst a sea of possibilities.
So, when faced with the clue “Slipped Past,” remember to consider all angles. Think literally, think figuratively, and don’t forget to utilize the information provided by the grid itself. Good luck, and happy solving! We’ll be back soon to unravel another perplexing crossword puzzle.
Available Answers:
ELUDED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Wheelie? By Zachary David Levy and Katie Hale