Some crossword clues present a straightforward path to the answer, a direct synonym or a well-known fact just waiting to be recalled. Others, however, invite a moment of pause, a deeper dive into synonyms, context, and the subtle art of wordplay. The
crossword clue
‘Be very good (at) (5)‘ falls squarely into the latter category, a classic example of how a seemingly simple phrase can hold layers of interpretative possibility for the dedicated
crossword puzzle
enthusiast.
At first glance, the instruction ‘Be very good’ seems direct enough. It points towards a state of excellence, proficiency, or high competence. Yet, the subtle inclusion of ‘(at)’ transforms the nature of this
crossword clue
, prompting solvers to consider not just a general state of being good, but specifically good
at
something. This parenthetical addition is a common convention in
daily crossword
puzzles, often indicating that the word can function independently or is frequently paired with the enclosed preposition, sometimes implying an idiom or common phrasal verb. It signals to those
solving crosswords
that the answer isn’t just a broad descriptor of quality, but rather a verb or adjective closely associated with a particular skill or activity.
The challenge for those engaging in
clue analysis
lies in sifting through the vast lexicon of English to pinpoint the precise 5-letter word that captures this nuanced meaning. Does ‘very good’ suggest a synonym for expert, skilled, or proficient? Or perhaps it hints at a less common, more specific term that fits the exact letter count? The beauty of such a
crossword clue
lies in its ability to draw upon a solver’s full vocabulary, testing their grasp of both common usage and more refined linguistic distinctions. Many might first consider words like ‘ADEPT’ (often used with ‘at’), ‘SHARP’ (as in a sharp mind), or even ‘CRACK’ (a crack shot), but the exact fit often requires a deeper mental scan, a process familiar to any seasoned solver of
word puzzles
. These initial thoughts, while close, often serve as stepping stones, guiding the solver towards the precisely intended answer.
The intensity implied by ‘very good’ is another crucial aspect. It’s not merely satisfactory, but demonstrably excellent, often implying a natural aptitude or a high level of developed skill. This pushes the solver away from generic synonyms for ‘good’ and towards words that convey a higher degree of skill or mastery. For a 5-letter word, this precision can be particularly elusive. It forces a careful consideration of synonyms that convey a high level of ability and performance, specifically when applied to a particular task or field. This level of discernment is what makes
crossword clues
so engaging and rewarding, demanding more than just a surface-level understanding of words.
The tight constraint of five letters is, as always, a defining factor. It limits the field of potential answers dramatically, turning what might otherwise be a straightforward search for a synonym into a focused hunt for a word that perfectly balances meaning, common usage, and letter count. This forces solvers to think economically, to find the most compact and precise expression of ‘being very good at something’. These are the moments that truly test a solver’s linguistic agility and understanding of idiomatic expressions, which often condense complex ideas into short, punchy terms that fit perfectly within the rigid structure of a
crossword puzzle
. Identifying the correct five-letter solution to this type of
crossword clue
often feels like finding the final piece of a puzzle, where all elements align perfectly.
Successfully navigating such a
crossword clue
requires more than just a dictionary; it demands an intuitive feel for language and a keen eye for the specific type of hint the puzzle setter is providing. It’s a reminder that every word in a
crossword puzzle
serves a purpose, guiding the solver towards that singular, satisfying solution. Unlocking clues like ‘Be very good (at) (5)‘ is a testament to the power of precise vocabulary and contextual interpretation, providing that inimitable ‘aha!’ moment that keeps us coming back to the
daily crossword
time and time again.
Available Answers:
EXCEL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 13 September 2025