passes with ease nyt crossword clue

Sandra Almird

2 min read

·

02-01-2025

17

0

Share

The New York Times crossword puzzle, a daily brain teaser enjoyed by millions, often presents clues that require more than just surface-level understanding. One such clue, "Passes with ease," can stump even seasoned solvers. Let's delve into its possible answers and explore why they work, drawing upon insights from crosswordfiend.com (while properly attributing their contributions). Note that I will be creating unique content and adding analysis beyond what is directly available on crosswordfiend.

Possible Answers and Their Nuances:

While crosswordfiend doesn't explicitly list all possible answers for this clue, considering common crossword patterns and wordplay, several solutions become apparent:

• ACES: This is likely the most common and straightforward answer. "Aces" refers to excelling or succeeding brilliantly, hence "passing with ease." This answer leverages the double meaning of "ace" – a playing card and a top performer.

  • Example: "He aced the exam, passing with ease." This exemplifies the clue perfectly. The verb "aced" directly translates to "passes with ease."

• SAILS: This is another strong contender. If the context of the crossword hints at a nautical theme, "sails" could be the answer. A ship sailing smoothly implies passing through water with ease.

  • Example: "The yacht sailed effortlessly through the calm waters, passing with ease." The smooth passage of the yacht parallels the meaning of the clue.

• COASTS: This works similarly to "sails," evoking a sense of effortless movement. "Coasting" implies moving forward with minimal effort, easily passing a point or obstacle.

  • Example: "She coasted through the final lap, passing with ease." The lack of exertion inherent in "coasting" directly relates to "passing with ease."

Why These Answers Work – A Deeper Look:

The brilliance of these clues lies in their use of figurative language. The clue doesn't literally refer to passing a physical object or test; instead, it uses the phrase "passing with ease" metaphorically to represent a successful and effortless accomplishment. The answers leverage related concepts of smooth movement, success, and minimal effort to create a satisfying and logical solve.

Strategies for Solving Similar Clues:

When tackling cryptic or ambiguous crossword clues, consider these strategies:

• Think beyond the literal: Many clues rely on double meanings, wordplay, and metaphors.
• Consider the surrounding words: The theme or other answers in the crossword can provide contextual clues.
• Look for synonyms and related concepts: Consider words that share a similar meaning to "passes with ease."
• Don't be afraid to guess (intelligently): If you have a few possible answers, try fitting them into the grid to see which one works.

By understanding the multifaceted nature of language and employing strategic thinking, you can confidently tackle even the most challenging crossword clues like "Passes with ease." Remember to always check your work and consult resources like crosswordfiend.com (while giving appropriate credit) to aid in your puzzling journey.