The moment that familiar phrase leaps out at you from the grid – “Now ___ talking!” – a unique kind of crossword solving energy kicks in. It’s not a definition clue, nor a tricky anagram; it’s a slice of everyday language, asking you to complete it. This particular crossword clue, seemingly straightforward, often makes you pause, not because it’s obscure, but because it’s
so
common.
Common phrases, idioms, and colloquialisms are the bread and butter of many a crossword puzzle. They test a different muscle than your typical dictionary-diving clue. Instead of recalling an exact definition, you’re tapping into a vast mental database of conversational English. This type of crossword clue challenges your intuitive grasp of how we speak, how sentences are formed, and the precise words that make an expression feel
right
.
When you see “Now ___ talking!”, your brain immediately accesses the context. It’s a phrase of agreement, of turning a corner in a negotiation, or finally getting to the heart of the matter. It implies a shift, a new understanding, or a more agreeable proposition. The missing piece isn’t just any word; it’s a specific, indispensable part of that expression. The beauty of this kind of crossword clue lies in its universality – almost everyone knows it, but translating that immediate recognition into the correct letter count can be the fun challenge.
Many solvers find these fill-in-the-blank crossword clues incredibly satisfying. There’s no ambiguity, no clever wordplay hiding the meaning. It’s simply knowing the phrase. Yet, the initial blank can sometimes throw you for a loop. Is it singular? Plural? Who is the subject? These are the micro-decisions you make, often subconsciously, as you process this kind of crossword clue. The answer isn’t just a word; it’s a
pronoun contraction
, performing a specific grammatical function that completes the thought and the expression.
Thinking about “Now ___ talking!” as a crossword clue reminds us how much of our language relies on these fixed, idiomatic expressions. We don’t dissect them in daily conversation; we simply use them. Crosswords, however, force us to look at them under a magnifying glass, considering each component part. It’s a delightful linguistic exercise, prompting us to appreciate the mechanics of phrases we take for granted.
To master this type of crossword clue, the trick often involves saying the phrase aloud, either in your head or under your breath. Hearing the natural rhythm and flow usually points you directly to the missing word. Consider the number of letters the grid demands. Does it fit a single-letter contraction? A two-letter word? The precise count is your final confirmation. This intuitive approach often works wonders for any crossword clue built around a common saying.
The satisfaction of filling in that blank, realizing you knew it all along, is immense. It’s that familiar “aha!” moment, but with the added bonus of recognizing a piece of shared cultural language. Every crossword clue, whether a definition, a pun, or a phrase, offers a unique mental workout. And these phrase completions? They’re like a high-five from the puzzle constructor, acknowledging our collective linguistic intuition.
Keep honing your phrase recognition skills. What’s another common phrase crossword clue that always brings a smile to your face when you finally crack it? These snippets of everyday talk are a consistent source of joy and challenge in the grid. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
WERE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Theresa Brady & Gene Leganza / Ed. Patti Varol