The daily crossword clue often presents a delightful blend of the obvious and the obscure, testing our general knowledge and our specific understanding of “crosswordese.” Today’s featured brain-teaser, “Gorilla, eg (3),” is a prime example of a deceptively simple-looking crossword clue that can send even seasoned solvers down a momentary rabbit hole.
When you encounter a crossword clue featuring “eg” (short for “exempli gratia,” or “for example”), your immediate mental task is to identify the broader category to which the given item belongs. A gorilla isn’t just a gorilla in the world of crosswords; it’s a representative of a larger classification. The challenge, of course, is narrowing down that classification to fit the precise letter count provided – in this case, a succinct three letters. This type of crossword clue demands not just knowledge, but also a keen sense of lexical precision.
So, let’s dissect “Gorilla, eg (3).” What immediately springs to mind when we think of a gorilla? It’s a powerful, intelligent, fascinating creature. Scientifically, it’s a primate, belonging to the family Hominidae. Common classifications include “animal” or “mammal.” These are all valid categories for a gorilla. But the magic, and sometimes the frustration, of a good crossword clue lies in its constraints. We need a specific three-letter word that captures this essence.
Consider the various biological and common classifications. A gorilla is undoubtedly an “animal” (six letters) and a “mammal” (six letters). It is also a “primate” (seven letters). While these terms accurately describe a gorilla, they exceed our three-letter limit for this particular crossword clue. This methodical approach is crucial for unlocking many a tricky crossword clue: brainstorm broad categories, then rigorously filter them by the required letter count. It’s about more than just knowing what a gorilla is; it’s about discerning
how
a crossword setter wants you to categorize it within the grid’s strict parameters.
This particular crossword clue forces us to think about the most concise, yet accurate, common term that a gorilla exemplifies. What three-letter word represents a classification that includes gorillas, setting them apart from, say, a squirrel or a bird? The “eg” is a huge hint, guiding us away from specific facts about gorillas and towards their role as an example of a broader, more fundamental type. It requires a flash of insight, an understanding of how common terms are applied, and how they might fit the puzzle’s structure.
The beauty of such a crossword clue is its elegant simplicity on the surface, masking a rich layer of deductive reasoning beneath. It’s not just about recalling a fact; it’s about applying a specific type of wordplay logic. When you’re stumped by a similar “eg” clue in your daily crossword, always remember to brainstorm the broadest possible categories first, then refine your list by the number of letters, seeking that perfect, compact fit. Think about the common names for animal groups, plant families, or types of objects that fit the specified length.
This kind of crossword clue also highlights the importance of context within the puzzle itself. While we’re focusing on “Gorilla, eg (3)” in isolation, in a real grid, crossing letters would provide additional confirmation, steering you towards the correct three-letter classification. But even without those helpful crossers, the logic remains sound: What three-letter word describes something for which a gorilla is an example? It’s a classic test of both vocabulary and analytical skill, a rewarding challenge for any crossword enthusiast. Every time you tackle a crossword clue like this, you’re not just filling squares; you’re honing your cognitive prowess. This specific challenge exemplifies the charm and complexity inherent in solving a well-crafted crossword clue, prompting us to think both broadly and precisely about language and classification.
Available Answers:
APE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Wednesday, 15 October 2025