It stands there, a deceptively simple phrase, yet one that holds multitudes within its concise structure: “Killed time.” For any seasoned solver, or indeed anyone just dipping their toes into the delightful world of word puzzles, encountering this specific crossword clue can instantly spark a flash of recognition. It’s a classic, a masterclass in misdirection and the subtle art of linguistic play that makes a great crossword clue truly sing.
At first glance, the phrase might conjure images of leisure, of those moments when we find ourselves waiting, perhaps at an airport, in a doctor’s office, or simply on a lazy afternoon with nothing pressing to do. We “kill time” by scrolling through our phones, reading a book, or watching the clouds drift by. This idiomatic interpretation of the phrase is deeply ingrained in our everyday language, suggesting a period of idleness, of passing moments without a specific, productive purpose. It’s the antithesis of efficiency, a deliberate slowdown in the pace of life, often born of necessity or sheer boredom. This very common usage is precisely what a cunning crossword clue setter hopes you’ll default to.
However, the beauty and challenge of a well-crafted crossword clue often lie in its ability to twist familiar phrases, to pull them from their comfortable, idiomatic contexts and place them under a different, more literal, light. When faced with “Killed time” as a crossword clue, the astute solver immediately considers the less obvious interpretations. What if “killed” is meant in its most stark, literal sense? What if “time” isn’t the abstract concept of hours and minutes passing, but rather a tangible, measurable entity, or even an object?
Consider the powerful verb “killed.” Beyond its euphemistic use in “killing time,” it denotes cessation, destruction, or the bringing of something to an end. Applied to “time” in a concrete sense, this opens up an entirely different avenue of thought. Could it refer to something that literally stopped or halted a measurement of duration? Perhaps a mechanism, a device, or even an event that caused time, as measured by a specific instrument, to cease its movement. This stark, literal interpretation is a favorite tool in the arsenal of a crossword clue designer, designed to make you re-evaluate your initial assumptions.
The power of this particular crossword clue lies in its dual nature. It leverages our intuitive understanding of an everyday idiom while simultaneously offering a path to a more literal, less common interpretation. It forces us to slow down, to dissect the words, to consider their various meanings and applications. Is the setter hinting at a state of being, an action, or perhaps even a noun that embodies the concept? This ambiguity is precisely why such a crossword clue is both frustrating and immensely satisfying to unravel. It’s a testament to the richness of the English language and the cleverness of those who create these linguistic puzzles. The journey to the answer for such a compelling crossword clue is often as rewarding as the solution itself, reminding us that even the simplest phrases can hide layers of meaning waiting to be uncovered.
Available Answers:
DAWDLED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0628-25 NY Times Crossword 28 Jun 25, Saturday