Cracking the “Kitchen Clock-like Device (5)” Crossword Clue: A Culinary Conundrum!
Every seasoned solver knows the thrill of a well-crafted
crossword clue
. Some clues are straightforward, others delightfully cryptic, and then there are those that sit right in the sweet spot, prompting a mental sprint through everyday objects with a clever twist. Today’s featured
crossword clue
is a perfect example of the latter: “Kitchen clock-like device (5)“.
At first glance, the mind might jump straight to ‘clock.’ But the crucial “like” negates that immediate thought. This isn’t
a
clock; it’s
like
one. What does that imply? A dial? A display? A mechanism that tracks units of time? The “kitchen” context further narrows the field, grounding us firmly in a world of baking, boiling, and simmering. What devices in this bustling space have a resemblance to a timepiece but serve a different, specific function? This isn’t just about finding a word; it’s about appreciating the elegance of the
crossword clue
itself.
The five-letter constraint is our best friend here. It forces us to discard many possibilities that might fit the “kitchen” or “clock-like” criteria individually but fail on the length. Consider the purpose of such a device. In the culinary arts, precision is paramount. We don’t just want to know
what time it is
; we often need to know
how much time has passed
, or
how much time is left
. This device isn’t about telling you to leave for work, but rather about ensuring your soufflé rises perfectly or your eggs are precisely soft-boiled. It’s a dedicated instrument for managing culinary duration.
This type of
crossword clue
often plays on functional similarities rather than identical forms. Think about how many things in your kitchen utilize a rotating dial or a digital countdown. While an oven has a clock, and microwaves often do too, the clue points to a
device
that is
specifically
“clock-like” in its
primary
operation, rather than just having a clock
feature
. It suggests a mechanism with a dial, perhaps hands, or a digital readout that mimics a traditional timepiece’s function, but often with a singular, focused purpose. It’s a subtle distinction, but one that expert crossword solvers learn to parse for daily
crossword puzzles
.
So, as you ponder this intriguing
crossword clue
, cast your mind over those essential kitchen gadgets. Which one, with its five letters, brings to mind the visual or operational elements of a clock, yet has a dedicated role in managing the duration of your cooking tasks? Is it something mechanical, or electronic? Does it tick, or beep? The possibilities, though narrowed by the letter count, are still rich for exploration. Take a moment to really visualize the kitchen, the chef at work, and the tools they rely on for perfect timing. What’s that handy five-letter object that often sits on the counter, patiently counting down to culinary success? The answer, when it clicks, will feel perfectly obvious, as all good
crossword clue
solutions do.
Available Answers:
TIMER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 6 September 2025