Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from staring down a challenging crossword clue, isn’t there? That moment when the seemingly disparate elements finally click into place, revealing the perfectly sculpted word the setter had in mind – it’s pure linguistic bliss. Today, we’re diving into one of those deceptively simple yet wonderfully intricate crossword clues that can leave you scratching your head for a moment, even as the answer feels like it’s right on the tip of your tongue.
Our featured head-scratcher for today is:
“Short passage from old pamphlet (7)“
.
This particular crossword clue offers a fantastic blend of definition and an evocative historical setting, all wrapped up neatly in a seven-letter package. When you first encounter a crossword clue like this, the mind instantly starts to sift through possibilities. “Short passage” immediately brings to mind words like excerpt, snippet, or even verse. But then comes the crucial qualifier: “from old pamphlet.” This isn’t just
any
short passage; it needs to belong to a specific context, hinting at a certain style or historical purpose.
The beauty of tackling daily crossword clues lies in dissecting each component. Let’s break down this intriguing crossword clue. First, “short passage.” What does “short” imply? It suggests brevity, something concise, perhaps a self-contained piece of writing. It’s not an entire book or a sprawling essay. It’s a focused burst of text. Then, “passage.” This word itself has multiple meanings, but in the context of writing, it refers to a section or a paragraph from a larger work. So, we’re looking for a brief section of text.
Now, layer on “from old pamphlet.” This is where the crossword setter truly earns their stripes. The addition of “old pamphlet” narrows down the field significantly. What kind of short passages were typically found in old pamphlets? Think about the historical function of pamphlets. They were often used for quick dissemination of information, political commentary, religious discourse, or social advocacy. They were designed to be easily distributed and read, often making a specific point. This suggests a certain gravitas or purpose, distinct from a random note or a diary entry. The word associated with an “old pamphlet” might carry a slightly archaic or formal flavor, or at least a specific historical resonance.
Considering the “7” in the bracket is, of course, absolutely paramount. Every letter counts, and finding a word that fits all these criteria while also being exactly seven letters long is the ultimate crossword clue challenge. You might initially think of “article” (7 letters), but does an article specifically come from an
old pamphlet
? Or “leaflet” (7 letters), which is a type of pamphlet, but not a
passage
from one. The setter is guiding us towards a specific, often slightly less common but perfectly apt, term.
This is where the magic of solving crossword clues truly shines. It’s not just about knowing definitions; it’s about understanding nuance, historical context, and the clever wordplay inherent in the design of the puzzle. We’re searching for a word that marries the idea of a concise piece of writing with the specific medium of an old, often influential, informational booklet.
When faced with tricky crossword clues like this, it’s helpful to consider synonyms for each part and then try to combine them. What are synonyms for “short”? Brief, concise, summary. What about “passage”? Section, excerpt, segment. And “old pamphlet”? Historical document, leaflet, bulletin. The art is in finding the single word that perfectly encapsulates all these facets. This is more than just a synonym hunt; it’s about finding the precise, elegant fit that the crossword creator envisioned.
We often encounter crossword clues that test our general knowledge as much as our vocabulary, and this one is a prime example. It makes us think about the history of publishing and communication. The satisfaction when you finally decipher a crossword clue of this caliber is immense, connecting you directly to the puzzle’s creator in a shared moment of linguistic appreciation.
So, take a moment. Ponder the clues. Think about the specific historical connotation. What seven-letter word perfectly encapsulates a “short passage from an old pamphlet”? The answer, once it arrives, will undoubtedly make you smile at its elegant precision.
Available Answers:
EXTRACT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 1 October 2025