It starts as a whisper, then a murmur, then a full-blown declaration. “Rumor ___ it…” A phrase so ubiquitous, so deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, that it rolls off the tongue almost without thought. We hear it, we use it, and instantly, a narrative begins to unfold, often laced with intrigue, speculation, or delightful gossip. It’s the linguistic precursor to a juicy tidbit, a prelude to information that may or may not be entirely true, but which certainly captures our attention.
This particular idiomatic expression, with its potent opening, is a frequent visitor in the world of word puzzles. Dedicated solvers know that common phrases like this are goldmines for
crossword clue
setters. They represent a fundamental test of how well we can recall and reconstruct the building blocks of our everyday language. When you encounter a
crossword clue
like “Start of a gossip’s report” or “Words preceding ‘it’s going to rain’,” your mind immediately jumps to this well-worn path of communication.
The beauty of such a
crossword clue
lies in its deceptive simplicity. On the surface, it’s just a few words. Yet, the missing piece, that singular verb that perfectly slots into the blank, is what gives the entire phrase its dynamic energy. Without it, the saying collapses; with it, it sings, conveying the very act of a rumor’s existence and transmission. It’s a word that denotes possession, an active state, a relationship between the rumor and its subject, all condensed into a few powerful letters. For the seasoned
crossword puzzle
enthusiast, identifying this crucial component becomes an almost automatic reflex, a testament to years spent dissecting language.
Think about the countless times you’ve heard or uttered these words. It’s not just a phrase; it’s an institution. It’s how stories spread through school hallways, how news (both factual and fanciful) travels through communities, and how pop culture narratives are born and perpetuated. The elegance of the expression lies in its ability to hint at a truth without explicitly stating one, leaving room for interpretation and further conjecture. And in the context of a
crossword clue
, it demands precision. There’s only one word that correctly completes the idiom, one word that satisfies the setter’s intent and propels you closer to completing your grid.
Solving a
crossword clue
often hinges on recognizing these patterns, these deeply ingrained linguistic structures. The joy isn’t just in filling in squares, but in the moment of recognition, the “aha!” when a common phrase, seemingly simple, suddenly illuminates the grid. This specific
crossword clue
, demanding that perfect fit, exemplifies that experience. It’s a reminder that even the smallest words carry significant weight and play pivotal roles in the tapestry of our language. As you ponder the empty space in “Rumor ___ it…”, you’re not just looking for a word; you’re unlocking a fundamental mechanism of human communication, a skill that serves you well far beyond the boundaries of any
crossword puzzle
. It’s a classic for a reason, a frequently revisited
crossword clue
that continues to delight and occasionally, to challenge, all who pick up a pen.
Available Answers:
HAS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0901-25 NY Times Crossword 1 Sep 25, Monday