The phrase “Kind of bar that’s hard to pass” immediately arrests the attention of any crossword solver. It’s a masterful example of a daily crossword clue that leverages common words to create a perplexing, yet ultimately satisfying, brain teaser. The beauty of such a clue lies in its inherent ambiguity, guiding the mind through a labyrinth of potential meanings before settling on the precise, often witty, answer.
At first glance, the word “bar” conjures a multitude of images. One might picture a bustling establishment serving drinks, where passing through a crowded doorway or navigating a packed room could indeed be “hard to pass.” Or perhaps a physical barrier, like a high jump bar, which requires significant effort and skill to clear. Even a simple railway crossing bar, when lowered, presents a definitive, albeit temporary, obstruction that is literally “hard to pass.” These initial interpretations are often the first traps laid by a clever crossword puzzle setter, designed to lead the solver down a literal path.
However, the world of crossword clues thrives on wordplay and double meanings. Beyond the tangible, “bar” can also refer to an abstract impediment or a professional hurdle. Consider the legal profession: “the bar” is not a physical object, but a rigorous qualification. Passing the bar examination is notoriously difficult, a formidable academic and professional challenge that stands as a true test of one’s legal knowledge and aptitude. This interpretation introduces a layer of intellectual difficulty to the phrase “hard to pass,” moving beyond mere physical obstruction to something far more demanding.
Then there are metaphorical bars – barriers to progress, emotional blocks, or even legislative measures. A bill in parliament might face a “bar” that makes it “hard to pass” into law. These broader applications further demonstrate the semantic richness that a well-crafted crossword clue can exploit, pushing the solver to think laterally and consider contexts outside the everyday.
The brilliance of “Kind of bar that’s hard to pass” as a crossword clue lies in its precise convergence of these varied meanings. It forces the solver to discard obvious interpretations and delve into the more specific, often less common, usage of “bar” in conjunction with the challenge of “passing.” This type of cryptic clue demands not just vocabulary, but an understanding of nuance and an appreciation for linguistic dexterity. For the seasoned crossword solver, it’s a familiar game: the simple words hide a sophisticated conceptual twist.
Unlocking the solution to such a daily crossword challenge brings immense satisfaction. It’s the quintessential “aha!” moment, where the layers of misdirection peel away, revealing an answer that perfectly fits both the surface meaning and the clever, underlying wordplay. The particular kind of “bar” referenced in this crossword puzzle isn’t merely a place or a physical object; it’s a specific type of threshold or test, one universally acknowledged for its formidable nature. It’s a testament to the ingenuity that makes the crossword puzzle an enduring and beloved brain teaser for millions.
Available Answers:
LIMBO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1024-25 NY Times Crossword 24 Oct 25, Friday