There’s nothing quite like that moment of pure satisfaction when a particularly tricky crossword clue finally clicks into place. It’s a tiny, brilliant explosion in the brain – the culmination of wordplay, misdirection, and a well-placed “aha!” Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a truly fascinating example from a recent grid: “Easter Day? Fate’s an example (7,5)“. This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a masterclass in clever construction, demanding both lateral thinking and an appreciation for the nuances of language.
For anyone who loves to grapple with a good crossword clue, this one immediately stands out. It’s got all the hallmarks of a beautifully designed challenge: a seemingly straightforward definition part (“Fate’s an example”), a leading phrase that feels slightly off-kilter (“Easter Day?”), and the ever-helpful parenthetical numbers indicating the length of the solution (7,5). But how do we even begin to unpick such a tantalizing crossword clue?
The first rule of tackling any complex crossword clue is to dissect it. Let’s look at “Easter Day?”. The capitalization and the question mark are not accidental. In the world of crossword puzzles, capitalization can often be a red herring, there to distract you from the true nature of the word. Is “Easter Day” meant to be taken literally as the Christian holiday? Or is it perhaps a common phrase that happens to contain those words, or a word that
sounds like
“Easter Day” but is spelled differently? The question mark is a strong indicator of wordplay. It often signals a pun, a play on words, or a definition that’s not quite literal, pushing you to think outside the box for the solution to this crossword clue.
Next, consider the definitional part: “Fate’s an example.” This tells us what we’re looking for – something that can be considered an instance or type of “fate.” Brainstorm synonyms for fate: destiny, kismet, fortune, doom, predetermination, luck. Keep these concepts in mind as you try to work out the wordplay related to “Easter Day?”. This is where many solvers often start their hunt for the right crossword clue answer.
Now, let’s marry the two parts. How does “Easter Day?” connect to “Fate’s an example”? Is “Easter Day” an anagram of something that means “fate”? Does it sound like something that means “fate”? Is it a hidden word within a longer phrase? Or is it something much more subtle, requiring a complete reinterpretation of the phrase? This is the core puzzle of this particular crossword clue. Sometimes, the most innocent-looking phrases hide the most brilliant wordplay.
The (7,5) tells us the answer is a two-word phrase, with the first word having seven letters and the second having five. This is crucial for narrowing down possibilities once you have a glimmer of an idea. It helps confirm your suspicions or sends you back to the drawing board if your potential solution doesn’t fit the letter count. For any multi-word crossword clue, getting the exact length right is half the battle.
When you’re faced with a crossword clue like this, remember to:
Think cryptically:
Even if it’s not a full cryptic crossword, many standard grids incorporate cryptic-style wordplay.
Consider homophones:
Does “Easter Day” sound like anything else?
Look for common phrases:
Is there a well-known idiom or saying that “Easter Day” evokes, which then relates to “fate”?
Don’t be afraid to take a break:
Sometimes stepping away from a challenging crossword clue for a few minutes, or even an hour, allows your subconscious to work on it. The answer often pops into your head when you least expect it.
This particular crossword clue is a testament to the creativity of setters. It’s designed to make you smile once you figure it out, to appreciate the elegance of the construction. It’s not just about finding the right words; it’s about understanding the playful logic that underpins the entire crossword experience. So, take another look at “Easter Day? Fate’s an example (7,5)“. What possibilities jump out at you? The journey to decipher a challenging crossword clue is often as rewarding as the solution itself. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
MOVABLEFEAST.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 19 July 2025