There are some crossword clues that just hit differently. Not necessarily because they’re obscure or riddled with complex wordplay, but because they possess that deceptive simplicity. They look straightforward on the surface, a mere handful of words, but beneath lies a surprising depth, a challenge that forces you to truly
think
about language. Today, we’re tackling one such little gem that appeared in a recent grid: “At a great distance (4)“.
Ah, the four-letter word! The bane and the blessing of every daily crossword. They’re compact, seemingly easy to slot in, yet often prove to be the most elusive entries. With only four characters to play with, the options feel limitless and yet strangely constrained. Every single letter counts, every potential synonym or homophone scrutinized. This particular crossword clue, “At a great distance (4)“, is a perfect example of how a constructor can pack a substantial punch into a concise definition. It’s a classic example of a seemingly simple instruction that demands a nuanced understanding of English vocabulary.
My initial approach to any crossword clue like this always involves a mental sweep of direct synonyms. What immediately springs to mind when you consider something being “at a great distance”? You think of ‘far,’ certainly. ‘Remote,’ perhaps. But these are either not four letters or don’t quite fit the grammatical structure usually implied by such a descriptive phrase. The beauty of this specific crossword clue lies in how it prompts you to consider not just
what
is at a distance, but
how
we describe that state or perspective, often requiring an adverb or a specific kind of prepositional phrase.
When you encounter a
crossword clue
describing a state of being, especially one related to location or position, the mind naturally shifts to words that convey that sense of spatial separation. Is it a place? A direction? A way of seeing something? The brevity of the required answer, just four letters, really tightens the focus. It pushes you to consider words that are concise, almost elemental, in their meaning of ‘far off.’ This isn’t about vastness in scope, like ‘huge’ or ‘wide,’ but more about the spatial separation from an observer or a reference point. Good crossword puzzle help often comes from breaking down the exact nuance of the phrasing.
One might initially cast about for words indicating physical remoteness, like the other side of the globe, or a horizon line. But often, for a compact
crossword clue
like this, the answer leans into a more fundamental expression of that concept. It’s about how we
perceive
or
state
that something is not close by. What short, evocative word perfectly encapsulates the essence of ‘great distance’? It’s a word that allows for a sense of separation, a gap in space, making it a truly challenging crossword clue despite its brevity.
Think about how language uses such terms in everyday conversation. We speak of seeing things this way, of happenings that way, often employing these very short, impactful words to convey a sense of ‘not here.’ The brilliance of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is its ability to guide you through these layers of meaning without ever giving away the game directly. It offers just enough information to point you down the right linguistic path, encouraging you to tap into your own vocabulary and understanding of nuance. This is the heart of why we love solving crosswords, piecing together these linguistic puzzles.
This isn’t just about finding a synonym; it’s about finding the
perfect
synonym that fits the letter count and the constructor’s specific intent. It’s about understanding the subtle differences between ‘far’ and other terms that express a similar concept. It’s about that moment when the right word clicks, and you realize it was there all along, hiding in plain sight, perfectly captured by the phrase “At a great distance.” The satisfaction of slotting in those four letters, knowing you’ve cracked another clever
crossword clue
, is what keeps us coming back for more.
Available Answers:
AFAR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 2 September 2025