There are certain phrases that just resonate, hitting that sweet spot of common understanding and evocative imagery. They’re the bread and butter of our language, and often, the delightful challenge found within a good
crossword clue
. Today, let’s cast our gaze upon one such idiom that frequently sails into our puzzling adventures: “That ship ___ sailed.”
It’s a phrase instantly recognizable, carrying with it a distinct whiff of missed opportunities and irreversible decisions. Encountering it in a
crossword clue
immediately signals that we’re dealing with something that has passed beyond the point of no return. We understand, instinctively, that whatever proposition, chance, or moment was on the table, it’s now firmly in the past. The time for action is over; the opportunity has vanished, perhaps irrevocably.
Think about the scenarios where you might hear this idiom. A friend laments missing out on a concert ticket sale. A colleague reflects on a job offer they declined years ago. Or perhaps, in a more lighthearted context, someone realizes they’re too late for the last slice of cake. In each instance, the underlying sentiment is the same: the moment has passed, the chance is gone. The finality embedded in this expression is what makes it so powerful and, consequently, such a compelling element for a
crossword clue
.
The imagery itself is quite striking. A ship, once docked and ready for passengers or cargo, eventually sets sail. Once it’s out on the open water, there’s no turning back easily. The gangplank is up, the anchor raised, and the horizon beckons. This maritime metaphor perfectly captures the essence of a bygone opportunity. While its exact historical origin is a bit murky, the enduring power of the image is clear. Ships have long symbolized journeys, departures, and the passage of time, making this particular turn of phrase incredibly apt.
When a
crossword clue
presents you with “That ship ___ sailed,” it’s testing more than just your vocabulary. It’s probing your understanding of idiomatic expressions, those colorful linguistic shortcuts that add so much flavor to English. These types of clues often require you to think laterally, to move beyond literal interpretations and tap into a shared cultural understanding. They challenge you to consider the phrase as a complete unit, rather than just individual words.
Mastering these idiomatic
crossword clues
is a true mark of a seasoned solver. It involves recognizing the pattern, understanding the common usage, and recalling the specific word that completes the familiar saying. The beauty of phrases like “That ship ___ sailed” is their predictability, once you’re clued into their idiomatic nature. They are constants in our linguistic sea, always meaning the same thing, regardless of the particular puzzle or day.
So, the next time you encounter a
crossword clue
hinting at a lost chance or an expired opportunity, and you see “That ship ___ sailed,” take a moment to appreciate the timeless wisdom encapsulated in that simple, yet profound, expression. It’s a reminder that while some ships may have sailed, there are always new horizons to explore and new
crossword clues
to conquer. Keep an eye out for these gems; they make the journey through the grid all the more rewarding.
Available Answers:
HAS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Stella Zawistowski / Ed. Patti Varol