Every dedicated crossword solver knows that feeling. You’re cruising along, filling in answers with satisfying clicks, and then you hit a familiar wall – a seemingly simple
crossword clue
that, for a moment, just blanks. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one such classic: “That remains to be __.”
This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of a fill-in-the-blank prompt, a common staple in many puzzles. These aren’t about cryptic wordplay or obscure definitions; instead, they tap directly into our lexicon of everyday expressions and idioms. To crack such a
crossword clue
, you’re often asked to complete a well-known phrase, a proverb, or a common saying that might feel so ingrained, it’s almost invisible until you need to recall its precise ending. It’s a different muscle memory than deciphering a clever anagram or a cryptic definition, and yet, it’s just as vital for a complete solve.
When faced with “That remains to be __,” the immediate strategy is to cast your mind through the vast ocean of English idioms. What words typically follow ‘to be’ in a context of something yet to be determined or revealed? Think about the anticipation, the uncertainty, the future-oriented nature of the phrase. It’s a
crossword clue
that hints at an unfolding situation, a conclusion yet to be reached, or a decision not yet made. This universality is precisely what makes it such a strong and frequently appearing
crossword clue
.
Often, the real trick with these types of
crossword clues
isn’t their inherent difficulty, but rather how deeply they’re embedded in our subconscious. We hear them, we say them, we understand them perfectly in conversation, but when asked to complete them in a structured puzzle format, our brains sometimes decide to play hide-and-seek. The number of letters in the blank will, of course, be your ultimate guide in the actual puzzle grid. Are you looking for a short, punchy word, or something a bit more substantial? Those surrounding letters, once you’ve solved other adjacent
crossword clues
, will also become invaluable signposts, narrowing down the possibilities and guiding you towards that elusive missing piece.
The beauty of a fill-in-the-blank
crossword clue
like this lies in its ability to quickly open up a section of the grid. Once that familiar phrase clicks, it often provides crucial letters for several crossing words, turning a stubborn corner into a cascade of completed entries. There’s a particular satisfaction in that moment – the recognition of a common phrase, the sudden clarity, and the satisfying “aha!” as the correct word slots perfectly into place. It’s a testament to our shared linguistic landscape, a common ground where most English speakers instinctively know the answer.
This kind of
crossword clue
is a beautiful reminder of how language functions – how certain word combinations become fixed, almost unbreakable units of meaning. It’s not just about knowing a word; it’s about knowing
which
word fits perfectly into a specific linguistic slot to convey a precise nuance. The satisfaction of filling in that final letter and seeing the complete, well-worn phrase emerge is one of those small, perfect joys that keep us coming back to the daily
crossword clue
challenge. These everyday expressions are the glue of our language, and cracking them in a crossword feels like celebrating that shared understanding.
So, take a moment. Ponder this classic
crossword clue
. What simple, yet profound, word completes this common expression? It’s a testament to the elegance of language and the delightful challenge of the crossword grid. Keep practicing, keep thinking, and soon, you’ll find these familiar phrases becoming your quickest solves, paving the way to many more completed puzzles. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
SEEN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Michael Torch & Andrea Carla Michaels / Ed. Patti Varol