The Art of the Evasive Answer: Tackling ‘Keep ___, remain silent (3)‘
Ah, the thrill of the crossword! That delightful mental gymnastics that turns a blank grid into a masterpiece of interconnected words. Today, we’re diving deep into a particularly intriguing clue that’s been making the rounds:
Keep ___, remain silent (3)
. This is the kind of clue that doesn’t just ask for a definition; it probes the very essence of an action, a state of being, and often, a touch of cunning.
Crossword setters are masters of misdirection and subtle implication. They don’t just want to tell you what a word means; they want you to
feel
its meaning, to understand its nuances. And this clue, “Keep ___, remain silent (3),” is a perfect example of their craft. The core of the challenge lies in the seemingly simple phrase, “remain silent.” We all understand what that means, but how do we
keep
that silence? What is the active verb that precedes and sustains it?
The three-letter constraint is also a crucial piece of the puzzle. In the world of crosswords, three-letter words are the bedrock. They are common, versatile, and often serve as the connectors that allow larger, more complex words to slot into place. But don’t let their brevity fool you; these little words pack a punch. They can be verbs, nouns, prepositions, or even interjections, and their humble size belies their vital role. For this clue, that three-letter space is where the magic needs to happen, where the “keeping” of silence takes its form.
Let’s break down the components of this clue for maximum SEO impact, making sure anyone searching for help with this
crossword clue
finds their way here. We’re talking about the intricate dance between a
cryptic crossword clue
and its solution. This isn’t just about finding a word; it’s about understanding the
logic
behind the construction. The phrase “remain silent” acts as a definition, a direct pointer to the meaning we’re seeking. But the “Keep ___” part? That’s where the real artistry comes into play. It suggests an action, a deliberate act of preservation.
Consider the context in which one might “keep silence.” It could be a deliberate strategy, a conscious decision to withhold information. Think about moments of negotiation, of contemplation, or even of suspicion. In all these scenarios, silence is not a passive state; it’s an active choice. The word we’re looking for likely embodies this active choice, this commitment to not speaking.
The beauty of a good crossword clue is that it often has multiple layers. While “remain silent” is the most obvious interpretation, the phrase “Keep ___” might also hint at synonyms or related concepts. Could it be about holding back something? About maintaining a certain decorum? The possibilities are vast, and that’s what makes solving so rewarding. We’re not just filling in blanks; we’re unlocking a miniature mystery.
When you encounter a clue like
Keep ___, remain silent (3)
, the first step is often to brainstorm words that fit the definition. What are other ways to say “remain silent”? Hush, quiet, mum, reticent. Now, filter those through the lens of the “Keep ___” prefix. Does one of those synonyms naturally precede “keep” to create a common idiom or phrase related to silence?
Furthermore, the length constraint is paramount. A three-letter word is a very specific target. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and forces us to think efficiently. We can start by considering common three-letter verbs or nouns that relate to the concept of silence or withholding speech. Is there a three-letter word that implies a state of being quiet? Or a three-letter word that means to stop talking?
The SEO aspect of this post is crucial. We want anyone struggling with this
crossword clue
to find actionable insights. By discussing the elements of the clue – the definition, the prefix, and the length – we’re providing a comprehensive guide for tackling this specific
cryptic crossword clue
. We’re not just giving away the answer; we’re empowering solvers to understand
how
to arrive at it.
The world of
crossword puzzles
thrives on these small, satisfying victories. And a clue like “Keep ___, remain silent (3)” offers a particularly potent dose of that satisfaction. It’s a reminder that even in three letters, there’s a world of meaning to explore, a linguistic puzzle waiting to be solved. So, let’s ponder the possibilities and see where this intriguing
crossword clue
leads us. The journey of discovery is, after all, half the fun!
Available Answers:
MUM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 19 January 2026