“That’s a __ order.” The moment a phrase like this materializes on the grid, sitting squarely as a prominent crossword clue, it rarely goes unnoticed. It carries with it an intrinsic weight, a common linguistic shorthand for a particular kind of demand. As a crossword clue, it’s not merely asking for a definition; it’s inviting you into a world of nuance, a shared understanding of what it means when a request pushes the boundaries of the ordinary. This specific arrangement of words resonates because it speaks to a universal human experience: the encounter with a task or a plea that seems to stretch the limits of feasibility.
Consider the inherent implications of such an “order.” It speaks to something that transcends the mundane, a task or a requirement that isn’t just a routine tick-box exercise. This isn’t your everyday ‘fetch me a glass of water’ kind of request. Instead, it suggests a significant undertaking, something that calls for considerable effort, perhaps even a stretch of one’s capabilities or resources. When faced with this type of crossword clue, the seasoned solver knows immediately that they’re dealing with more than just a synonym; they’re engaging with an idiom, a piece of cultural lexicon that holds a deeper, more evocative meaning. It’s a linguistic challenge that asks you to recall common expressions and their implied context.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to tap into these shared understandings. “That’s a __ order” is a prime example. It evokes a scenario where expectations are high, where the path to fulfillment is anything but straightforward. Imagine the context: a boss asking for a report to be done by yesterday, a friend requesting help with a monumental move, or a child wishing for a unicorn for their birthday. Each scenario, in its own way, encapsulates the spirit of this phrase. This particular crossword clue often forces a mental shift, moving from literal interpretations to metaphorical ones, probing the depths of everyday expressions to find that precise fit.
Solving a crossword clue like this becomes a satisfying linguistic exploration. It’s about remembering common turns of phrase, recalling how language conveys not just information but also sentiment and scale. The challenge isn’t just filling in letters; it’s about connecting with the subtle hum of colloquialisms that enrich our conversations. When you see “That’s a __ order” as a crossword clue, it’s a signal to look beyond the obvious, to consider the broader canvas of idiomatic English. This mental exercise sharpens your appreciation for the compact power of everyday language.
This kind of crossword clue serves as a fantastic mental workout. It hones your ability to think laterally, to consider not just individual words but how they combine to create specific effects. It reminds us that our language is full of these compact expressions, each packing a punch of meaning. The journey to the answer for this crossword clue is a testament to the power of observation, of listening to how people truly speak, and then translating that oral tradition back into the structured world of the grid. It’s a testament to the solver’s command of both dictionary definitions and common parlance.
Every time this particular crossword clue appears, it presents a fresh opportunity to appreciate the richness of English. It’s a subtle reminder that some requests are just inherently more demanding, requiring an elevated level of response. The satisfaction comes not just from filling in the blank, but from recognizing the cleverness with which the puzzle setter has distilled a complex idea into a simple, elegant crossword clue. It truly is a linguistic puzzle that makes you pause, reflect, and ultimately, triumph over the subtle art of wordplay, revealing the hidden gem within a familiar phrase. Mastering such a crossword clue is a mark of true linguistic dexterity.
Available Answers:
TALL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Zachary David Levy / Ed. Patti Varol