That Zesty ‘Zigs and Zags’ Crossword Clue
Every so often, a crossword clue comes along that feels less like a definition and more like a little burst of poetry. It’s the kind of clue that makes you pause, look away from the grid, and just smile. Some entries are straightforward, asking for a state capital or a three-letter word for a feline. They are the sturdy brickwork of a puzzle. But then you get a crossword clue like “Zigs and zags,” and it’s pure sparkle.
This is one of those phrases that paints an instant picture. The moment you read it, your mind is off and running—or rather, darting back and forth. You might see a bolt of lightning cracking across a stormy sky. Perhaps you envision a winding mountain road, a skier expertly navigating a slalom course, or even the frantic pattern of a sewing machine’s needle. A great crossword clue doesn’t just point to an answer; it invites you into a world of imagery, and this one is a masterclass in playful description.
Of course, appreciation only gets you so far in solving. The next step is always the same: a quick glance at the grid to see the letter count. Is it a long, sprawling entry, or a short, punchy one? The number of empty squares is the first real constraint, the frame into which our mental picture must fit. This is where the practical side of puzzle-solving kicks in, taming the wild creativity sparked by the clue itself.
Then comes the hunt for crossing letters. Is there a helpful vowel waiting in the middle? A solid consonant to anchor the beginning or end? A single letter from a Down entry can be the key that unlocks the entire thought process for an Across clue. With a crossword clue as evocative as “Zigs and zags,” you might have a dozen ideas, but the grid is the ultimate arbiter. It patiently waits, ready to tell you which of your brilliant theories is the correct one.
You start running through the possibilities. Is it a verb describing the action? A noun for the path itself? The clue’s structure, a pair of rhyming, alliterative words, is a common construction in the world of crosswords. It signals a certain kind of answer, one that often has a similar rhythm and bounce. It’s a bit of a wink from the puzzle constructor, a hint that the fill you’re looking for is likely just as fun as the clue that leads to it.
The beauty of this particular crossword clue is that when you finally land on the answer—whether through a flash of insight or the steady work of filling in the surrounding grid—it feels incredibly satisfying. It’s not just a word that fits; it’s the word that perfectly captures that erratic, energetic, back-and-forth motion. It’s a reminder of why we love these puzzles: for those small, perfect moments where language and logic click together in a delightful dance.
Available Answers:
DODGES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By J.R. Willard & Dena R. Verkuil / Ed. Patti Varol