The world of crosswords is a fascinating linguistic playground, full of clever wordplay, obscure trivia, and, most commonly, everyday phrases twisted into challenging clues. Among the most frequent visitors to the daily grid are idioms – those quirky expressions where the meaning isn’t immediately obvious from the individual words. And when it comes to classic idioms appearing as a “fill-in-the-blank” style crossword clue, few are as iconic and reliably perplexing as “My lips ___ sealed.”
This particular phrase is a staple for a reason. It’s concise, universally understood, and carries a very specific, powerful meaning. When someone declares “My lips ___ sealed,” they are making an unwavering promise of absolute silence. It’s a vow of discretion, a solemn pledge to keep a secret, to never divulge sensitive information, no matter the pressure or temptation. The imagery is wonderfully vivid: imagine a container tightly closed, its contents secured, impenetrable. That’s the level of secrecy implied by this powerful expression.
For any seasoned crossword solver, encountering this specific crossword clue brings a momentary pause, followed by that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment. It’s a test of not just vocabulary, but familiarity with common English usage. The beauty of it as a crossword clue lies in its fixed structure. The words “My lips” set the stage, and “sealed” provides the ultimate endpoint, leaving just one crucial linguistic link to complete the entire thought. This missing word is fundamental to the phrase, providing the very essence of existence or state that ties the subject (lips) to their condition (sealed).
Think about the various scenarios where this phrase might be invoked. It could be a friendly pact between confidantes, ensuring that a juicy piece of gossip remains just between them. It might be a more serious declaration in a professional context, confirming that sensitive business information will be protected. In fiction, it’s often uttered by a character under interrogation, defiantly refusing to betray information. In each instance, the implication is clear: the person speaking will not utter a single word about the matter at hand. Their mouth is, metaphorically, locked shut.
What makes this an enduringly popular crossword clue is its straightforward nature, once you grasp the idiom. It’s not about obscure definitions or complex anagrams; it’s about recognizing a chunk of language that’s deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. The challenge, then, isn’t deciphering an arcane term, but rather recalling the exact word that precisely fits the grammatical and idiomatic context to bridge the gap between “My lips” and “sealed.” For a crossword puzzle enthusiast, it’s a delightful test of their command of common phrases.
Moreover, the versatility of this crossword clue allows for various puzzle designs. It can be presented directly, as “My lips ___ sealed,” or hinted at through synonyms for secrecy like “Promise of silence” or “Vow of discretion.” Regardless of the surrounding words in the grid, once a solver sees “lips” and “sealed,” their mind immediately goes to the standard, well-worn expression. It’s a testament to how deeply idioms are woven into the fabric of our language, making them perfect fodder for the daily crossword challenge. These types of idiom-based clues are often a welcome respite from more obscure vocabulary, providing a comforting, familiar linguistic touchstone amidst trickier entries.
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Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Universal Crossword – Universal Freestyle 181 By Jim Quinlan
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