There are some crossword clues that feel like old friends, aren’t there? You scan the grid, your eyes glazing over the more esoteric entries, and then you spot it. A simple, familiar fill-in-the-blank. It’s a welcome sight, a potential foothold in a tricky section of the puzzle. Today, we’re looking at one of the classics of this genre, a crossword clue that is as common as a three-letter word for a feline pet: “__ and weave.”
At first glance, this is what seasoned solvers call a “gimme.” It’s a phrase baked into our vernacular, a duo of verbs that instantly conjures a specific type of movement. The beauty of this crossword clue lies in its simplicity and its vivid imagery. The moment you read it, your mind likely pictures a boxer in the ring, head moving, shoulders dipping, avoiding a punch. Or perhaps a running back on the football field, skillfully navigating a wall of defenders. It’s a phrase synonymous with agility, evasion, and fluid motion.
Crossword constructors love this type of clue for several reasons. First, it’s universally understood. It doesn’t require specialized knowledge of ancient history or obscure botany. It’s a piece of the living language, which makes it fair game for any day of the week, from a breezy Monday puzzle to a challenging Saturday. For the crossword solver, this kind of clue is an anchor. When you confidently pencil in the answer, you suddenly have a few precious, confirmed letters to help you decipher the surrounding fill. It can be the key that unlocks an entire corner of the grid.
But let’s pause and appreciate the elegance of the crossword clue itself. It’s a testament to how our brains work, filling in the missing information almost unconsciously. The partnership between the two words is so strong that one feels incomplete without the other. This symbiotic relationship is a goldmine for anyone building a crossword puzzle. They can rely on the solver’s innate sense of language to make the connection.
However, even the most straightforward crossword clue can present a challenge. Sometimes, the letters from the crossing entries just don’t seem to fit. You might stare at “__ and weave” and find that the word you’re sure is correct is being contradicted by a down clue. This is the delightful friction of puzzle solving. It forces you to double-check, to reconsider. Is there another, less common meaning? Did I misinterpret a different clue? It’s in these moments that a simple phrase becomes a fascinating puzzle piece.
So, as you face this particular crossword clue, think about that dynamic movement. Think about the most active, direct, and common verb that leads the charge before its partner “weave.” It’s a word that’s all about ducking, dipping, and dodging. It’s a dance of avoidance, a staple of the crossword puzzle, and a perfect example of how a familiar phrase can bring a little spark of joy to your solving experience.
Available Answers:
BOB.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By C.W. Stewart / Ed. Patti Varol