That perplexing long-form entry, stretching across the grid like a whispered secret, is often the heart of any truly great puzzle. It’s the kind of complex crossword clue that makes you pause, pen hovering, a smile playing on your lips as you anticipate the delightful mental workout ahead. Today, we’re delving into one such masterstroke: “Feeling like age is just a number, and an apt description of 18-, 25-, 40-, and 53-Across.”
This isn’t merely a definition; it’s an invitation to a deeper understanding of the puzzle’s fabric. The moment you read a crossword clue like this, you know you’re in for more than just a synonym hunt. It speaks to the constructor’s artistry, their ability to weave a cohesive theme through seemingly disparate elements of the grid. The first half, “Feeling like age is just a number,” immediately conjures images of vitality, resilience, and a spirit untethered by chronological markers. It’s about maintaining a certain spark, regardless of the years accumulated. This phrase itself is a sentiment many of us resonate with, adding an emotional layer to the intellectual challenge of the crossword clue.
But then comes the second, more structural component: “and an apt description of 18-, 25-, 40-, and 53-Across.” This is where the magic of the themed crossword truly shines. It signals that those specific entries, spread throughout the grid, aren’t just random words. They share a commonality, a unifying characteristic that is perfectly encapsulated by the sentiment of defying age. The solver’s task transitions from mere word association to a full-fledged detective mission. What could possibly connect four separate crossword clues and their solutions to such a profound idea?
When confronted with such a multi-part crossword clue, the seasoned solver knows to keep a watchful eye on those referenced entries as they appear. Are they related by meaning? By a shared quality? Do they belong to a certain category that evokes timelessness or a refusal to be defined by years? This grand, overarching crossword clue demands that you consider not just individual words, but the relationships between them, revealing the true genius of the puzzle’s design. It’s a reminder that a well-constructed crossword isn’t just a collection of words, but a carefully curated experience, each piece fitting into a larger, more satisfying whole.
Deciphering this particular crossword clue requires a blend of lateral thinking, an appreciation for wordplay, and an understanding of how thematic elements bind a puzzle together. It challenges you to look beyond the obvious, to find the thread that connects a feeling to a series of specific grid entries. The joy comes not just from filling in the squares, but from the ‘aha!’ moment when the overarching concept clicks into place, illuminating the cleverness behind the construction of this intricate crossword clue. It’s this kind of elegant design that elevates a good puzzle to a truly memorable one.
Available Answers:
YOUNGATHEART.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Kieran Boyd & Brian Callahan / Ed. Patti Varol