Ah, the daily ritual! Pouring that fresh cup of coffee, settling into our favorite spot, and diving headfirst into the day’s crossword puzzle. There’s a certain magic to it, isn’t there? The way a seemingly simple phrase can unfurl into layers of meaning, challenging our vocabulary and tickling our wit. Today, we’re zeroing in on a particularly evocative little nugget that often pops up in various forms, a true test of a solver’s ability to navigate abstraction and wordplay: the deceptively concise
“Of time, pass (6).”
This isn’t just any old crossword clue; it’s a prime example of the kind of elegant minimalism that makes crosswords so endlessly engaging. At first glance, it appears straightforward, but seasoned solvers know that brevity in a crossword clue often hides a clever twist or a subtle redirection. When you encounter a challenging crossword clue like this, your mental gears immediately start whirring, sifting through synonyms, homophones, and double meanings. The number in parentheses, of course, is our steadfast guardian, confirming the exact length of the solution, a critical piece of information when you’re trying to unravel a tricky crossword clue.
Let’s break down the components of this particular crossword clue. “Of time” sets the stage, narrowing our focus to concepts intrinsically linked with the relentless march of moments. Time, in crosswords, is a fertile ground for setters. It can be a specific period, an abstract concept, or even a verb related to scheduling or measurement. Then we have “pass.” Oh, “pass”! This seemingly innocuous word is a semantic chameleon, capable of shifting its meaning depending on the context. Does it mean to move past something? To hand over? To succeed in an examination? To elapse? To issue a judgment? Or perhaps even a physical geological feature? The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to harness this ambiguity.
This type of “Of X, Y” construction is a classic crossword setter’s move. It’s designed to make you think laterally, to consider the nuances of each word’s relationship. It asks you to extract the essence of “pass”
in the context of time
. Is it an adjective, a noun, or a verb we’re looking for? The six-letter constraint is our best friend here, guiding our deductions and eliminating a host of possibilities that might fit “pass” but not the specified length. Deciphering the true meaning of a challenging crossword clue involves a fascinating dance between intuition and logical deduction.
Many a fantastic crossword clue thrives on taking everyday phrases and transforming them into miniature puzzles. “Of time, pass (6)” is no exception. It invites us to consider the natural idioms and expressions surrounding the passage of time. What words do we commonly associate with time when it is ‘passing’? This isn’t just about finding a synonym; it’s about finding the
right
synonym that fits the precise tone and context the setter intended. For those who love to solve crossword clues, it’s this precise calibration of language that makes the hobby so addictive.
So, as we contemplate this compelling crossword clue, we’re not just searching for a word. We’re engaging in a delightful linguistic exercise, a mental workout that sharpens our focus and broadens our appreciation for the English language. We’re looking for that perfect six-letter word that encapsulates the essence of “pass” when applied to “time,” fitting snugly into the grid and delivering that satisfying “aha!” moment. It’s a rewarding experience for any crossword clue solver, and one that reminds us why we keep coming back to these wonderful puzzles day after day. Let’s delve deeper into the strategies for tackling such elegant and elusive clues!
Available Answers:
ELAPSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 2 November 2025