The moment you encounter a crossword clue like “Critter that moves like a rabbit,” your mind probably starts racing. This isn’t just any old animal clue; it’s a descriptive one, inviting you to delve into the nuances of animal locomotion. For anyone tackling a daily crossword puzzle, such a clue can be both intriguing and a delightful challenge. The specific wording of a crossword clue is always key, and “moves like a rabbit” is particularly evocative.
What does it truly mean for a critter to move “like a rabbit”? Rabbits, iconic for their distinct way of getting around, utilize a fascinating form of movement known as saltatorial locomotion. This isn’t a simple run or walk. Instead, it’s characterized by powerful leaps and bounds, driven by strong hind legs that propel the animal forward in an almost spring-like fashion. Their front paws land first, followed quickly by their rear feet, which often land outside of or ahead of the front paws, ready for the next powerful push. This action creates a distinctive, somewhat jerky, but incredibly efficient and often surprisingly fast progression across terrain. This unique style of movement is central to solving this type of crossword clue.
When you’re faced with this crossword clue, think about the key characteristics:
Bounding or Hopping:
Not walking, not slithering, but a series of distinct jumps.
Powerful Hindquarters:
The primary engine for this movement style, enabling explosive acceleration.
Agility:
The ability to change direction quickly, often to evade predators, is a hallmark of this type of movement.
Terrestrial:
Typically ground-dwelling, though some creatures might exhibit similar movements on other surfaces, the context for this crossword clue usually points to land animals.
Many animals jump, of course. Frogs hop, kangaroos bound, even grasshoppers leap. But the specificity of “like a rabbit” points to a particular type of small to medium-sized mammal, known for its furry coat and often its herbivorous diet. The crossword clue isn’t asking for just any jumper; it’s asking for a creature whose primary mode of movement strongly mirrors that of a rabbit, suggesting a similar biomechanical strategy for moving through its environment. This nuance is precisely what makes a well-crafted crossword clue so engaging.
When considering a crossword clue like this, it’s helpful to rule out alternatives. A cat, for instance, might pounce, but its general gait is a walk or a run, not a continuous series of bounds. A dog might gallop, but again, the unique rabbit-like hop isn’t its defining movement. This precision is what makes solving crosswords so satisfying. The precise wording of the clue is your best friend when deciphering any crossword puzzle.
This particular “critter that moves like a rabbit” crossword clue often appears in various puzzles, from beginner-friendly grids to more challenging cryptic crosswords. The length of the word you’re looking for will, naturally, be a huge hint. If you have some letters already filled in from intersecting words, that’s your next piece of the puzzle. Is it a short word? A longer one? Does it fit a common pattern for animal names? Leveraging those existing letters is a classic strategy for any tricky crossword clue.
The challenge of a good crossword clue isn’t just knowing the answer, but understanding why that answer fits perfectly. It’s about appreciating the cleverness of the clue setter and the richness of the English language. This isn’t just about identifying an animal; it’s about identifying a specific
style
of animal movement. So, as you ponder this particular crossword clue, immerse yourself in the imagery of a rapid, bounding motion. Think about the characteristics that truly define this unique gait. The solution to this intriguing crossword clue will undoubtedly bring a sense of accomplishment to your daily crossword-solving routine. It’s these moments of discovery that make every crossword puzzle a joy. Keep those brain cells hopping, and you’ll nail this crossword clue in no time!
Available Answers:
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Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Beth Rubin & Owen Bergstein / Ed. Patti Varol