Hey there, fellow cruciverbalists! There are those
crossword clues
that just sit with you, aren’t there? They gnaw at the edges of your mind long after you’ve put the puzzle down, demanding resolution. Sometimes, it’s the simplicity of the wording that throws you off, making you second-guess every obvious synonym. Other times, it’s a brilliant piece of wordplay that hides its true meaning in plain sight. Today, I want to delve into one such intriguing
crossword clue
that recently crossed my path: ‘Selected passages (8)‘.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
seems straightforward enough, doesn’t it? ‘Selected passages.’ The mind immediately jumps to a few common interpretations. Is it literary? Musical? Perhaps something more abstract? And then there’s that crucial number in parentheses – the (8) – which tells us precisely how many letters we’re looking for in our solution. This numerical constraint is often the key that unlocks the enigma, narrowing down the field of possibilities significantly.
Let’s dissect the components of this
crossword clue
. The word “selected” implies a choice, a picking out from a larger whole. It suggests something that has been specifically chosen for a purpose, perhaps for study, performance, or exhibition. This brings to mind the idea of an anthology, a compilation, or even just particular sections highlighted for their importance or interest.
Then we have “passages.” This word, while seemingly simple, is rich with multiple meanings, a common characteristic of the most deceptive
crossword clues
. On one hand, “passages” most commonly refers to sections of a written work – a book, an article, a speech. If you’re reading a novel, you might highlight a particularly poignant ‘passage.’ In this context, ‘selected passages’ would naturally lead one to think of excerpts, readings, or perhaps even specific quotes. The literary world is teeming with terms that describe chosen sections of text.
But don’t be too quick to settle on the obvious! Crossword setters are masters of misdirection, and a good
crossword clue
often plays on our immediate assumptions. “Passages” can also refer to the act of moving through something, like a journey or a transition. Think of a ‘passage of time,’ or a ‘safe passage’ through a difficult area. Could ‘selected passages’ imply something more about a journey that has been specifically chosen or planned?
Furthermore, “passages” can refer to physical pathways – hallways, corridors, or even channels. While less common in a general context, a clever setter might be hinting at something architectural or geographical. And let’s not forget the musical realm, where “passages” can refer to distinct sections or movements within a larger composition. A pianist might practice a difficult ‘passage’ of music. Could our ‘selected passages’ be musical in nature, chosen for a concert or practice?
The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
like ‘Selected passages (8)‘ lies in its ambiguity and the journey it takes you on. It forces you to explore the semantic landscape of each word, considering every nuance and alternative meaning before you can zero in on the precise answer. The (8) acts as your ultimate filter, eliminating perfectly valid synonyms of “selected” or “passages” that simply don’t fit the letter count. It’s about finding that one perfect eight-letter word that encapsulates both ‘selected’ and ‘passages’ in a way that satisfies the setter’s intent.
So, when faced with such a clue, the strategy is always the same: break it down, brainstorm synonyms for each component, consider all possible contexts (literary, musical, physical, abstract), and then, with the eight-letter constraint firmly in mind, try to match them up. It’s a rewarding process of deduction and linguistic exploration. The ‘aha!’ moment, when the right word finally clicks into place, is what makes solving a challenging
crossword clue
so incredibly satisfying. Keep at it, and you’ll find that with enough thought, even the trickiest ‘selected passages’ will reveal their secrets.
Available Answers:
EXCERPTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Thursday, 10 July 2025