Decoding “Passed“: A Journey Through Crossword Territory
“Passed.” A deceptively simple word, yet one that can unlock a world of possibilities when encountered in the context of a crossword puzzle. It’s a word brimming with nuance, capable of representing a wide spectrum of meanings, which makes it a favourite, and sometimes frustrating, resident of the grid. Let’s dive into the rich potential of this linguistic chameleon, exploring the avenues of thought it may inspire as you grapple with your clues.
At its most basic, “passed” is the past tense of the verb “pass.” This implies a transition, a movement from one state or position to another. Think about what
physically
passes. Is it a
vehicle
moving by? Is it the
ball
in a sporting event? Or perhaps it’s something less concrete, like
time
slipping away? The context of the overall crossword theme, or even the words of adjoining clues, might offer valuable indicators.
Beyond the literal movement, “passed” often denotes a successful completion or achievement. Someone might have “passed” an exam, indicating they met the required standard. In this vein, consider clues related to
success, accomplishment,
or even
qualifications
. Was a certain
test
passed? Did someone
succeed
in an endeavour? Was a certain
level
attained?
Dig a little deeper, and “passed” can also signify the transfer of something from one person to another. Think of
inheritance
or
ownership
being passed down through generations. Or perhaps a
disease
being passed on. The clue may then reference
legacies, heirs,
or even
illnesses
and their
transmission
. Who passed something
on
? What
legacy
remains?
“Passed” can also imply that something has ceased to exist, more gently described as something being
deceased
. Consider figures from
history
or characters from
literature
that are no longer with us. Alternatively, think about things that
disappeared
, maybe a
fad
or a
custom
. What’s something that’s
expired
? What has
come to an end
?
The flexibility of the word also extends to describing opportunities or moments that have been missed or squandered. A missed
chance
, a lost
opportunity
– both are concepts that can be closely tied to the idea of something having “passed.” The clue might hint at
regret, lost potential,
or even
failure
. What’s something you’ve
missed
? What
opportunity
has
slipped away
?
Finally, consider the more figurative interpretations of “passed.” It could relate to
approval
, as in something “passed” by a committee or legislature. Here, we’re in the territory of
decisions, votes,
and
laws
. What was
approved
? What was
legislated
?
The key to unlocking the answer lies in carefully considering these diverse meanings and how they relate to the overall puzzle. Read the other clues in the vicinity, note the length of the answer, and be aware of potential double meanings or wordplay. “Passed” is a common word, but its ubiquitous nature is exactly what makes it such a clever tool for crossword setters. Deciphering its specific intent is a rewarding journey in crossword mastery. Good luck!
Available Answers:
RANBY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Saturday’s Daily By Malaika Handa / Ed. Patti Varol