Ah, the familiar dance with a
crossword clue
that feels both utterly clear and frustratingly opaque. Today, we’re casting our gaze upon one such gem: “Still looming, say.” On the surface, it paints a picture, evokes a feeling. But as any seasoned solver knows, the most evocative phrases often hide the cleverest twists in the world of
crossword clues
.
Let’s break down the components of this intriguing
crossword clue
. We start with “still.” This unassuming adverb carries significant weight. It immediately suggests continuity, an ongoing presence. It’s not something that happened and passed, but something that persists. Is it a persistent problem? A lingering hope? A task yet to be completed? This simple adverb, when part of a
crossword clue
, forces us to think about an enduring state rather than a momentary one. It sets the stage for something that hasn’t gone away, something that continues to occupy a space, physically or mentally.
Then we encounter “looming.” Now there’s a word packed with imagery! “Looming” implies a significant presence, often one that is large, imposing, or impending. It can be a physical entity – a mountain range, a storm cloud on the horizon – or a more abstract, psychological one – a deadline, a threat, an inevitable future event. Often, it carries a slightly ominous or weighty connotation, though not always exclusively negative. When you see “looming” in a
crossword clue
, your mind might immediately gravitate towards things that are large, significant, or just about to happen. The combination of “still” and “looming” therefore points towards something that has been, and continues to be, an ever-present, significant, and perhaps unignorable part of the landscape, be it literal or metaphorical.
But then comes the crucial pivot: “say.” This tiny, unassuming word is the key to unlocking many a perplexing
crossword clue
. It tells us we’re not looking for a literal object, a simple descriptive adjective, or even a direct verb. Instead, we’re likely hunting for an idiom, a common expression, a phrase that someone
would say
to describe something that is, indeed, “still looming.” The “say” transforms the clue from a direct description into an indirect quotation or a widely recognized utterance. It signals that the answer isn’t a definition, but a piece of conversational English, a well-worn figure of speech, or a common turn of phrase. This type of
crossword clue
often sends solvers down the path of recalling popular sayings, proverbs, or familiar clichés.
This particular structure – an evocative phrase followed by “say” – is a classic
crossword clue
device. It cleverly nudges solvers away from literal interpretations and towards the realm of conversational language. It demands a different kind of lateral thinking, a shift from defining individual words to recalling how those words combine to form common utterances. The challenge lies in sifting through the myriad things that could be described as ‘still looming’ and identifying the precise phrase that fits the grid and common usage. Is it a well-worn cliché? A more obscure expression? The grid’s existing letters are, of course, your best friends here, providing vital corroboration for this kind of
crossword clue
.
Cracking such a
crossword clue
provides a particular kind of satisfaction. It’s not just about knowing a definition, but about understanding the nuanced way language is used, how phrases are formed, and how a clever constructor can package all that into a few words. Next time you encounter a
crossword clue
with a similar ‘say’ or ‘as they say’ component, remember the path this one laid out: think idiomatically, consider common expressions, and let the broader context of the puzzle guide your thoughts. It’s a testament to the richness of our language and the artistry of
crossword clue
creation.
Available Answers:
TO COME.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0713-25 NY Times Crossword 13 Jul 25, Sunday