The feeling of a task being completed, a burden lifted, or a responsibility finally seen through to its end is universally understood. For daily crossword enthusiasts, translating such a nuanced concept into a single, precise word is often the delightful challenge presented by a well-crafted crossword clue. Take, for instance, the phrase, “No longer on one’s plate.” It immediately conjures images of relief, of checkboxes ticked, and of mental lists shrinking, presenting a compelling challenge for any crossword clue enthusiast.
This particular crossword clue exemplifies how setters often draw upon idiomatic expressions and common figures of speech. “On one’s plate” isn’t about dinnerware; it refers to responsibilities or issues that demand one’s attention or action. The “no longer” signifies a transition from a state of being current or active to one of being resolved or dealt with. This transition is key when trying to unearth the perfect fit for this kind of crossword clue.
When approaching a crossword clue that relies on an idiom, the first step is always to understand the literal meaning of the figurative language. What does it
really
mean for something to be “no longer on one’s plate”? It means it’s finished, handled, settled, or perhaps passed on to someone else. The core idea is completion or removal from personal responsibility. This mental mapping of the idiom to its direct, non-figurative meaning is crucial for many a tricky crossword clue.
Consider the grammatical form the answer might take. Is it an adjective describing the state of the task? A past participle acting as an adjective? Or perhaps a noun representing the state of completion? The surrounding letters in the grid, if you’re tackling a larger puzzle, are invaluable hints. They can eliminate possibilities quickly, guiding you towards the correct part of speech and, eventually, the exact word for this compelling crossword clue.
Words associated with finishing, concluding, or addressing a matter come to mind. Think about synonyms for “done,” “completed,” “resolved,” or “attended to.” The beauty of a great crossword clue is its ability to evoke a specific scenario, prompting a cascade of related terms in your mind. The challenge then becomes filtering these down to the one word that precisely captures the essence of “no longer on one’s plate” within the constraints of the puzzle grid. Every daily crossword clue offers its own linguistic maze.
This kind of crossword clue often appears in various daily puzzles, from the quick grids to the more intricate themed ones. The satisfaction derived from cracking such a clue stems from recognizing the setter’s cleverness in using a common phrase to point to a specific, often elegant, solution. It’s a testament to the richness of language and the artistry of crossword construction. The journey from the figurative “on one’s plate” to the concrete answer for this challenging crossword clue is a mini-triumph for any solver. Mastering such a crossword clue enhances your overall solving skills.
Focusing on the feeling of being unburdened, of a task now in the rearview mirror, helps narrow the scope. What single word conveys that sense of finality and resolution? It’s not just about being “done,” but about being
done with
it, completely removed from current concerns. This nuance is what separates good crossword clues from great ones, requiring solvers to dig a little deeper than surface-level synonyms. Identifying the precise shade of meaning is often the key to unlocking the grid for a challenging crossword clue.
Every crossword clue offers a unique puzzle, and “No longer on one’s plate” is a perfect example of one that rewards thoughtful consideration of idiom, context, and the subtle emotional weight of language. It’s a classic for a reason, a truly rewarding crossword clue to conquer.
Available Answers:
EATEN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0630-25 NY Times Crossword 30 Jun 25, Monday