The moment you encounter a crossword clue that features a blank space, your brain immediately shifts into phrase-completion mode. It’s a distinct kind of challenge, isn’t it? Especially when the crossword clue starts with a verb as versatile as “Coming.” Suddenly, a universe of possibilities opens up, each one a potential path to cracking that elusive answer. This particular crossword clue, “Coming ___,” is a fantastic example of how a simple beginning can lead to a multitude of idiomatic expressions, common phrases, and even more nuanced meanings.
When you’re faced with a crossword clue like this, the initial instinct is to run through every familiar phrase you can think of. Do we mean arrival? As in “Coming [direction]” or “Coming [place]”? Or is it about an event unfolding, a future occurrence, something that is “Coming [descriptor]”? Perhaps it speaks to a state of being, a process of evolution or revelation, where one might be “Coming [condition]” or “Coming [understanding].” The sheer breadth of options for this crossword clue is what makes it both exhilarating and, at times, a little daunting.
One of the first things to consider when tackling a “Coming ___” crossword clue is the length of the blank. If it’s a short blank, say three or four letters, your pool of potential answers narrows significantly. Think of prepositions or very common short nouns. A longer blank, however, could indicate a multi-word phrase, or a more descriptive term that paints a richer picture. The letter count is always your silent partner in deciphering any tricky crossword clue.
Beyond the length, context is absolutely paramount for a crossword clue of this nature. What other letters have you already filled in around it? Do any of those letters immediately trigger a specific phrase? Is there a theme to the puzzle itself? Sometimes, a crossword clue’s true meaning only reveals itself when considered in light of the broader puzzle. For example, if the puzzle has a seasonal theme, “Coming ___” might point towards a specific time of year. If it’s about personal growth, the answer could lean into psychological or developmental terms. Every surrounding piece of the grid is a breadcrumb leading you closer to solving this particular crossword clue.
“Coming ___” often hints at an idiom, a phrase where the meaning isn’t immediately obvious from the individual words. These are the delightful traps and triumphs of the English language, and they are frequently found embedded within a challenging crossword clue. Is it about disclosure? Or reaching an agreement? Perhaps it describes a moment of realization or an act of recovery. The verb “to come” itself carries so much weight – from literal movement to figurative progression, from emergence to transformation. This means the second part of the crossword clue needs to perfectly capture that specific nuance.
Don’t rush it. Sometimes, the best strategy for a stubborn crossword clue like “Coming ___” is to step away for a moment. Let your subconscious work on it. When you return, often with fresh eyes, a previously overlooked connection might just click into place. It’s amazing how often a break can illuminate the path to the correct solution for a perplexing crossword clue.
Ultimately, the beauty of a crossword clue like “Coming ___” lies in its open-endedness. It’s a testament to the richness of our language and the cleverness of crossword constructors. It invites you to explore, to recall, and to make those satisfying connections that define the joy of crossword solving. Keep those linguistic gears turning, and you’ll surely conquer this intriguing crossword clue and many more to come.
Available Answers:
SOON.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1128-25 NY Times Crossword 28 Nov 25, Friday