Welcome back, fellow word sleuths, to another dive into the fascinating world of
crossword clues
! Today, we’re revving up our minds to tackle a particular stunner that might have left some of you idling, pondering its deeper meaning: “Leaves the motor running.”
Ah, this
crossword clue
is a prime example of the delightful dance between the literal and the figurative that makes
solving crosswords
such an engaging mental workout. When you first encounter a
crossword clue
like this in your daily puzzle, perhaps over that morning coffee, your mind might initially drift to the tangible: a car, an engine, the low hum of a vehicle waiting. You picture someone stepping out for just a moment, keeping the engine alive, ready for a quick departure. That’s the surface level, and often, the first layer a
crossword puzzle
setter wants you to peel away.
But astute
crossword clue
solvers know that the magic often lies beneath. Is “Leaves the motor running” a straightforward literal description, or is there a clever twist at play? Is it hinting at an idiom, a common phrase that, when taken literally, might seem odd, but holds a widely understood meaning? Many of the best
crossword clues
use this very technique, taking everyday expressions and giving them a new, puzzling context. The phrase itself might evoke images of anticipation, of readiness, of an ongoing state that requires minimal interruption. Is the answer a verb, describing an action of
leaving
something in a certain state? Or is it a noun, describing the
result
of such an action? The part of speech is a crucial hint when deciphering any
crossword clue
.
Consider the implications of “leaving the motor running” in different scenarios. It could imply a state of perpetual readiness, a pause without cessation, or even a deliberate decision not to fully disengage. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you think about synonyms for “pause,” “delay,” “continue,” or “maintain.” The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is how it guides your mind down several paths, only one of which leads to the correct destination.
For those who regularly tackle a challenging
crossword clue
, you’ll recognize the pattern. Does “leaves” refer to the foliage, creating a pun with “motor”? Unlikely for a standard definition, but never impossible in the wild world of cryptic
crossword puzzles
. More often, it’s the verb “to leave,” meaning to allow something to remain in a particular condition. This particular
crossword clue
forces you to consider the nuance of language, to explore the subtle differences between similar concepts. The “aha!” moment for this
crossword clue
will undoubtedly come when you realize the specific context the setter is driving towards. It’s a testament to the richness of our language and the ingenuity of puzzle constructors.
When faced with such a compelling
crossword clue
, don’t just jump to the first answer that comes to mind. Take a moment. Let the phrase sit. Think about its double meanings, its idiomatic uses, and how it might be cleverly disguised within a larger
crossword puzzle
grid. The solution, once found, will feel utterly satisfying, a perfect fit that makes you appreciate the cleverness embedded in this seemingly simple phrase. It’s clues like these that remind us why we keep coming back to the daily
crossword
.
Available Answers:
IDLES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Monday’s Daily By Kathy Lowden / Ed. Patti Varol