Running out of gear

When the Crossword Grid Gets Empty: Tackling “Running Out of Gear”

Ah, the dreaded blank square. You’ve painstakingly filled in the easy clues, wrestled with the tricky ones, and now, staring at the grid, you’re met with a gaping void. That familiar feeling of “running out of gear” has set in. Fear not, fellow crossword enthusiasts, this is a common hurdle, and with a little strategic thinking, you can overcome it!

This week’s clue, “Running out of gear,” is a classic example of the kind that can leave you scratching your head. It’s a simple phrase, yet its meaning is open to multiple interpretations. To crack it, we need to think outside the box and consider the context of the puzzle.

Is it a literal phrase, suggesting a car’s mechanical failure? Or does it hint at a more abstract concept, like a loss of momentum or energy? The surrounding clues might provide valuable hints. Look for related themes, wordplay, or even just a pattern of letter lengths that could guide you towards the answer.

Remember, the beauty of a crossword puzzle lies in its ability to challenge us, to force us to think creatively and look for connections we might have missed. Don’t let the blank squares discourage you; embrace the challenge, delve deeper into the clue, and enjoy the satisfying “aha!” moment when the answer finally clicks.

Let’s conquer this clue together! Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s see if we can decipher the meaning of “running out of gear” and fill in that empty square.

Available Answers:

IDLING.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 4 Aug 24, Sunday