Twisting My Brain Over These Twirls: Decoding a Smoky Crossword
Alright, crossword aficionados! I’ve been staring at this particular five-letter entry for what feels like an eternity. It’s got me chasing my tail (which, coincidentally, could also be a clue – though definitely not
this
clue!). The definition: “Curls (of smoke)”. Five letters. It sounds deceptively simple, doesn’t it? You can practically
see
the wisps of smoke rising and swirling, but the actual word… well, that’s proving to be more elusive than a phantom limb.
The problem isn’t the visual aspect. We can all picture those delicate, spiraling forms that smoke takes as it ascends. The issue lies in finding a single word that encapsulates that image in a concise, crossword-friendly manner. My brain is doing mental gymnastics trying to conjure up synonyms for “curls,” “swirls,” “wisps,” and even “smoke” itself.
Initially, my mind jumped to words describing the shape of the smoke. Think about words that evoke that coiling, rounded form. There are a few contenders there, but none seem to quite fit the bill in terms of common usage and the overall ‘feel’ of the clue. It needs to be something instantly recognizable, not an obscure or highly technical term.
Then, I shifted my focus to the
action
of the smoke. What is it
doing
when it curls? Is there a verb that can be cleverly repurposed as a noun in this context? This line of thought has opened up some interesting avenues, though so far, none have been quite right. I need something that is a common word, and has common usage.
Perhaps the trick is in thinking about the
essence
of smoke. What is it? Is there a word that describes its ephemeral, almost ethereal quality that also happens to relate to its curling motion? It feels like I’m trying to capture something intangible, pinning down a fleeting image with just five letters. It is difficult because I can think of plenty of words which relate to the idea, but they are not commonly used.
The frustrating part is knowing the answer is probably staring me right in the face. It’s the kind of word that, once revealed, will elicit a resounding “Aha!” and a simultaneous forehead slap. It’s likely a word I use frequently, a word that’s ingrained in my vocabulary. But for now, it remains just beyond my grasp, taunting me with its simplicity.
I’ve even started considering metaphorical interpretations. Could the clue be hinting at something beyond the literal image of smoke? Is there a double meaning at play here? Crossword setters are notoriously clever, often employing wordplay and misdirection to throw solvers off track.
So, here I sit, still wrestling with this smoky enigma. The grid is slowly filling in around it, providing tantalizing hints and potential letter combinations. But the “Curls (of smoke) (5)” remains stubbornly blank, a testament to the power of a well-crafted crossword clue.
I will keep turning this over in my mind. Wish me luck!
I’ll be back later (hopefully with a breakthrough!) to share my solution and the thought process that led me there. Until then, happy solving!
Available Answers:
WISPS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 16 August 2025