Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! Today, we’re diving into a classic type of brain-teaser that often appears in our beloved daily grids. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that seems deceptively simple, yet can leave you pondering its elegant precision for minutes, or even hours, until that glorious “aha!” moment strikes. We’re talking about direct definition clues, and specifically, one that recently caught my eye: “Meet by chance (3,4)“.
Isn’t it fascinating how just a few words, coupled with a numerical hint, can encapsulate such a rich concept? The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to pinpoint a common phrase or idiom with remarkable accuracy. When you first encounter a
crossword clue
like “Meet by chance (3,4)“, your mind immediately starts sifting through a mental database of possibilities. What are the common ways we express an unplanned encounter?
The parenthetical (3,4) is, of course, our steadfast guide here. It tells us we’re looking for a two-word answer, the first word being three letters long, and the second, four letters. This isn’t a cryptic clue designed to throw you off with anagrams or hidden meanings; it’s a straightforward definition, asking for a synonym or a common phrase that perfectly matches the provided meaning. For seasoned
crossword puzzles
solvers, these clues are often the entry points, the anchors that help you secure a foothold in the grid and then expand outwards to tackle the more intricate, trickier neighbours.
The initial thought process for a
crossword clue
like this often involves brainstorming. You might think of phrases like “bump into,” “stumble upon,” or “happen across.” But then you pause, remembering the crucial letter count. “Bump into” doesn’t quite fit the (3,4) structure, nor does “stumble upon.” This is where the discipline of crossword solving truly comes into play – matching both meaning and form. It’s not enough for a phrase to
feel
right; it must
be
right, down to the last letter.
This specific
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how often the most natural, idiomatic expression is precisely what the puzzle setter intended. It speaks to the everyday vocabulary we use, transforming a common occurrence into a delightful challenge for our minds. When you land on the correct answer, there’s an undeniable satisfaction, a feeling that your linguistic intuition and logical deduction have perfectly aligned.
These types of direct definition
crossword clues
are foundational for anyone venturing into the world of wordplay. They train your brain to think precisely about language, to consider the nuances of synonyms and the exact structure of common phrases. They reinforce the idea that every word, every letter count, in a
crossword clue
is there for a reason, guiding you to the singular, correct solution.
So, the next time you face a
crossword clue
that asks for a direct phrase, embrace the journey. Let your mind wander through the possibilities, always with an eye on that vital letter count. The joy isn’t just in filling the grid, but in the mental workout, the linguistic dance, and the sheer pleasure of connecting words with their perfect counterparts. Keep those pencils sharp, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
RUNINTO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 10 November 2025