The unexpected jolt. The sudden movement in the corner of your eye. That universal, involuntary sound that escapes before thought can even register. It’s a primal reaction, hardwired into our systems, and for many, nothing quite triggers it like the swift, unannounced appearance of a tiny, whiskered intruder scurrying across the floor. This very scenario forms the basis of a delightfully evocative and surprisingly challenging
crossword clue
: “Startled cry at the sight of a mouse.”
Crossword puzzles often masterfully blend everyday experiences with linguistic precision, and this
crossword clue
is a prime example. It asks us to distill a complex emotional and physical reaction – surprise, perhaps a touch of alarm, and the resulting vocalization – into a single, concise word or sound. It’s not just about knowing vocabulary; it’s about understanding human nature and the common, almost stereotypical, ways we respond to our environment.
When you encounter a
crossword clue
that describes an interjection or an exclamation, your mind immediately shifts gears. Unlike clues that demand a definition or a specific piece of trivia, these require you to tap into a more guttural, less cerebral wellspring of language. What sound
do
people typically make when caught off guard by something small and fast? It’s a sound that’s short, sharp, and designed to convey instantaneous surprise without needing further explanation.
This particular
crossword clue
is brilliant in its simplicity, yet it holds a deceptive depth. It hinges on a shared cultural understanding of a very specific moment. We’ve all seen it depicted in cartoons, heard it in comedies, or perhaps even experienced it ourselves. The sound is often brief, a syllable or two, an utterance that perfectly captures that fleeting second of unexpected fright. It’s a classic example of how a
crossword clue
can paint a vivid picture with just a few words, prompting solvers to think beyond mere definitions and delve into the nuances of human expression.
So, as you ponder this compelling
crossword clue
, consider the raw, unedited sound that pops out before reason can intervene. It’s a testament to the artistry of crossword constructors who can take such a common, fleeting moment and craft it into a precise, solvable challenge. This type of
crossword clue
is a true test of your familiarity with the lexicon of interjections and the shared, universal sounds of surprise. It’s about listening, not just reading, and recalling that perfect, almost comical, little noise.
Available Answers:
EEK.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –LA Times Crossword, Wed, Jun 18, 2025
Washington Post Crossword -Wednesday’s Daily By Emet Ozar / Ed. Patti Varol