Ever found yourself staring at a crossword clue that feels tantalizingly close, like a word just on the tip of your tongue? Today, we’re dissecting one such masterful little puzzle that blends a common idiom with a precise definition, inviting us to delve into the nuances of language itself. The particular crossword clue we’re tackling is: ‘___ and fast, quickly and in great numbers (5).’
At first glance, this crossword clue might seem straightforward. You have a five-letter word to find, and a seemingly clear definition. But then you notice the tell-tale structure: ‘___ and fast.’ This isn’t just any descriptive phrase; it’s the unmistakable sign of an idiomatic expression. And for seasoned solvers, we know that idiomatic crossword clues can be both incredibly satisfying to crack and, at times, deceptively tricky.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue like this lies in its duality. On one hand, you have the open-ended fill-in-the-blank of an idiom, inviting you to recall familiar phrases. On the other, you have the explicit definition: ‘quickly and in great numbers.’ Your task, then, is to find the single five-letter word that not only perfectly completes the ‘___ and fast’ idiom but also accurately encapsulates both ‘quickly’ and ‘in great numbers’ simultaneously.
Think about the challenge here. Your mind might race through words associated with speed – ‘rapid,’ ‘fleet,’ ‘swift.’ Or perhaps you’ll focus on quantity – ‘dense,’ ‘ample,’ ‘heavy.’ The brilliance of this specific crossword clue is that it demands a word that performs double duty, a word that fits seamlessly into the idiomatic structure while serving as a concise descriptor for both velocity and volume. It’s not just a synonym hunt; it’s a specific linguistic key for a very particular lock.
Many times, when confronted with a crossword clue featuring an idiom, our brains first try to complete the phrase from memory. If that fails, we then turn to the definition. What makes this crossword clue particularly engaging is how it forces these two methods of attack to converge. You need the idiom to guide you to the
type
of word, and the definition to confirm the
exact
word.
For those moments when the answer doesn’t immediately leap off the page, this crossword clue serves as a fantastic exercise in linguistic deduction. It encourages us to think about how words can convey multiple concepts at once, and how idiomatic expressions often distill complex ideas into simple, memorable phrases. It reminds us that solving a crossword clue is often less about obscure knowledge and more about a deep understanding of the common language we use every day.
This isn’t just another square to fill; it’s a small victory when you finally piece together the logic connecting ‘___ and fast’ with ‘quickly and in great numbers.’ The satisfaction comes from recognizing that unique word that flawlessly bridges both demands. So, let’s dive deeper into the elegance of this particular crossword clue and unravel the layers that make it such a delightful part of today’s puzzle.
Available Answers:
THICK.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Thursday, 14 August 2025