This phrase signifies a selected sort of crossword puzzle clue designed to elicit a phrase or phrase related to escaping from the legislation. Clues may use synonyms for “felon” (e.g., convict, prison, outlaw) and “flight” (e.g., escape, getaway, lam). An instance might be “A convict’s hasty departure” with the reply being “ESCAPE.”
Such clues play a big function in crossword puzzles, difficult solvers to assume each actually and figuratively. They contribute to the puzzle’s general complexity and provide a thematic factor, usually showing in puzzles centered on crime or thriller. This kind of clue development dates again to the earliest crosswords, including a layer of mental stimulation past easy vocabulary recall. Efficiently deciphering these clues may be notably satisfying for solvers, requiring a deeper understanding of vocabulary nuances and idiomatic expressions associated to prison justice and evasion.
Using this particular phrasing highlights the intersection of language, puzzle development, and cultural understanding of crime and punishment. Inspecting this intersection can present precious insights into how language is used to encode and decode complicated ideas inside a leisure context.
1. Escape
“Escape” serves as a core idea inside the “felon’s flight crossword clue” framework. It represents the target of the fleeing particular person and gives the thematic foundation for the clue’s development. Understanding the multifaceted nature of “escape” enhances the power to each create and resolve these clues.
-
Bodily Escape
This side represents the concrete act of leaving confinement or eluding pursuers. Examples embrace scaling jail partitions, overpowering guards, or mixing right into a crowd. In crossword clues, this interprets to phrases like “bolt,” “flee,” or “escape,” difficult solvers to attach bodily actions with the idea of escape.
-
Psychological Escape
Past the bodily act, escape may also discuss with a psychological detachment from actuality or a craving for freedom. This could manifest in daydreaming, escapist fantasies, and even denial. Clues may make use of phrases like “reverie,” “fantasy,” or “daydream,” including a layer of complexity that strikes past the purely bodily facet of flight.
-
Authorized Escape
This side encompasses the evasion of authorized penalties, equivalent to acquittal, a profitable attraction, or avoiding seize altogether. Clues may make the most of phrases like “acquittal,” “pardon,” or “loophole,” requiring solvers to think about the authorized ramifications of escape.
-
Metaphorical Escape
Escape can be used metaphorically to symbolize liberation from tough conditions or emotional burdens. Examples embrace escaping a poisonous relationship or overcoming adversity. Crossword clues may use phrases like “liberation,” “freedom,” or “reduction,” prompting solvers to assume past the literal context of a felon’s flight.
These numerous sides of “escape” enrich the “felon’s flight crossword clue,” permitting for a variety of wordplay and difficult solvers to think about the idea past its easiest kind. The effectiveness of those clues lies of their skill to evoke these completely different interpretations, requiring solvers to research the clue from a number of views to reach on the right answer.
2. Getaway
“Getaway” occupies a central place inside the “felon’s flight” crossword theme, representing the fruits of a profitable escape. It signifies the purpose at which the felon has eluded quick pursuit and achieved a level of freedom, albeit non permanent. Understanding the idea of a “getaway” gives essential insights into how this theme features inside crossword puzzles. The time period usually seems instantly as an answer, or not directly as a synonym in additional complicated clues. As an example, a clue may learn “Profitable escape for a financial institution robber,” resulting in GETAWAY, or make use of a extra indirect phrasing like “Put up-heist retreat,” requiring solvers to infer the identical reply. Actual-life examples of elaborate getaways, like these involving high-speed chases or intricate disguises, usually present inspiration for clue development. Analyzing such situations provides depth to the solver’s understanding of the time period and its significance inside the context of prison pursuit.
The “getaway” features as a pivotal plot level in crime narratives. It signifies a shift in energy dynamics, marking a short lived victory for the fugitive and posing a problem for legislation enforcement. This narrative factor lends itself effectively to the puzzle format, permitting constructors to weave intricate narratives inside the constraints of the grid. The problem for the solver lies in unraveling these coded narratives by recognizing the connection between the clue’s wording and the goal reply. The success of a “getaway” usually will depend on pre-planning, resourcefulness, and exploitation of weaknesses in safety programs. These components present fertile floor for crossword clues, permitting constructors to include associated phrases like “hideout,” “alias,” or “transport” into the puzzle’s general theme.
Comprehending the function of the “getaway” enhances the power to assemble and resolve “felon’s flight”-themed crosswords. Recognizing its narrative significance, potential synonyms, and related components contributes to a deeper appreciation of the puzzle’s thematic coherence. The profitable decoding of those clues will depend on the solver’s skill to attach the dots between the summary language of the clue and the concrete realities of prison escapes and the pursuit of freedom, nonetheless fleeting.
3. Lam
“Lam” holds a singular place inside the lexicon of “felon’s flight” crossword clues. Its concise and evocative nature makes it a precious device for constructors, providing a succinct synonym for escape, usually with connotations of urgency and secrecy. Exploring the assorted sides of “lam” gives precious insights into its utilization and significance in puzzle development.
-
Etymology and Utilization
The phrase “lam” originates from the early nineteenth century, probably derived from the verb “to lame,” which means to cripple or disable. Its evolution to indicate escape suggests a connection between disabling pursuit and attaining freedom. In up to date utilization, “lam” usually implies a hasty and surreptitious departure, including a layer of intrigue to crossword clues.
-
“Lam” as a Resolution
“Lam” continuously seems as a direct answer to clues associated to a felon’s flight. Clues like “On the run” or “Make a fast escape” instantly level to “lam” as the reply. Its brevity makes it ultimate for becoming into crossword grids, notably these with restricted house.
-
“Lam” in Clue Development
Past its function as an answer, “lam” may be included into extra complicated clues. Phrases like “He lammed it out of city” or “Happening the lam” can be utilized to create misdirection or present contextual hints inside the clue. This utilization requires solvers to know the idiomatic expressions related to the phrase.
-
Cultural Significance
“Lam” carries a sure cultural weight, usually related to noir fiction and basic gangster movies. This affiliation provides a layer of thematic richness to crossword puzzles, evoking photos of clandestine operations and determined escapes. Its continued use in common tradition ensures its relevance inside the context of crossword puzzles.
The assorted sides of “lam”its etymological roots, concise kind, utilization in clues, and cultural significancecontribute to its effectiveness inside the “felon’s flight” crossword theme. Its presence in a puzzle provides a layer of complexity, requiring solvers to not solely acknowledge synonyms for escape but additionally to know the nuances of language and its cultural context. The continued use of “lam” in each puzzles and common tradition solidifies its place as a key part on this enduring crossword theme.
4. Jailbreak
“Jailbreak” holds a big place inside the “felon’s flight” crossword theme, representing a forceful and infrequently dramatic type of escape. Its presence in crossword puzzles provides a wealthy supply of wordplay and thematic depth, difficult solvers to think about the assorted features of escaping from incarceration. Inspecting “jailbreak” from completely different angles gives a deeper understanding of its function in crossword development and fixing.
-
Planning and Execution
Jailbreaks usually contain meticulous planning, starting from buying instruments and blueprints to coordinating with accomplices inside and out of doors the power. This facet may be mirrored in crossword clues with references to “schematics,” “contraband,” or “inside assist,” requiring solvers to attach these components with the act of breaking out. Actual-life examples, equivalent to the flowery escape from Alcatraz in 1962, spotlight the complexity and ingenuity typically concerned in these endeavors.
-
Strategies and Ways
The strategies employed in jailbreaks fluctuate broadly, from overpowering guards and digging tunnels to using disguises and forging paperwork. Crossword clues may make use of phrases like “tunnel,” “overpower,” or “impersonate,” prompting solvers to think about the varied ways utilized in escaping confinement. The selection of technique usually displays the particular safety challenges of the power and the sources obtainable to the escapees.
-
Penalties and Ramifications
Profitable jailbreaks usually set off large-scale manhunts and heightened safety measures. The results for captured escapees can embrace prolonged sentences, solitary confinement, and elevated scrutiny. Clues may use phrases like “manhunt,” “recapture,” or “solitary,” requiring solvers to think about the repercussions of a jailbreak. The severity of the implications underscores the excessive stakes concerned in such makes an attempt.
-
Cultural Illustration
Jailbreaks have lengthy captured the general public creativeness, continuously depicted in movies, literature, and tv exhibits. These portrayals usually romanticize the act of escape, specializing in themes of freedom, rise up, and ingenuity. This cultural illustration influences the language utilized in crossword clues, permitting constructors to attract upon acquainted tropes and archetypes. The prevalence of jailbreak narratives in common tradition contributes to the enduring attraction of this theme in crossword puzzles.
These sides of “jailbreak” the planning, strategies, penalties, and cultural influence enrich the “felon’s flight” crossword theme, including layers of which means and complexity. Understanding these components permits solvers to decipher clues extra successfully and recognize the depth of this recurring theme. The connection between the real-world implications of jailbreaks and their illustration in crossword puzzles gives a compelling instance of how real-world occasions can inform and improve a leisure exercise.
5. Jail break
“Jail break” stands as a outstanding factor inside the “felon’s flight” crossword puzzle theme. It represents a big problem for each puzzle constructors and solvers, requiring a nuanced understanding of escape strategies, safety measures, and the psychological features of confinement and freedom. Exploring the complexities of jail breaks gives essential insights into this recurring crossword theme.
-
Planning and Coordination
Jail breaks usually contain intricate planning, typically spanning months and even years. This could embrace buying contraband, mapping the jail structure, establishing communication networks, and coordinating with accomplices each inside and out of doors the jail partitions. These components can seem in crossword clues via references to “blueprints,” “smuggling,” or “inside man,” difficult solvers to attach the clue with the intricate logistics of a jail break. The extent of planning required usually displays the safety degree of the establishment and the willpower of the escapees. Infamous examples, just like the escape from Dannemora in 2015, display the complicated orchestration concerned in breaching seemingly impenetrable fortresses.
-
Overcoming Safety Measures
Fashionable prisons make use of refined safety programs, together with surveillance cameras, movement detectors, electrified fences, and a number of layers of bodily limitations. Overcoming these obstacles requires ingenuity, resourcefulness, and infrequently a level of risk-taking. Crossword clues may allude to those challenges with phrases like “surveillance,” “perimeter,” or “breach,” prompting solvers to think about the technological and bodily hurdles confronted by escaping prisoners. The strategies employed in overcoming safety measures, equivalent to exploiting vulnerabilities in expertise or using improvised instruments, usually change into key components within the narrative of a jail break.
-
The Psychological Affect
The psychological pressures of confinement, coupled with the inherent risks of trying a jail break, can have a profound influence on the people concerned. The worry of recapture, the uncertainty of success, and the potential for violence create a high-stakes atmosphere that exams the boundaries of human resilience. Crossword clues may contact on these psychological features via phrases like “desperation,” “nervousness,” or “freedom,” inviting solvers to think about the psychological and emotional toll of such endeavors. The psychological dimension provides one other layer of complexity to the “felon’s flight” theme, transferring past the purely bodily features of escape to discover the motivations and inner struggles of these trying to interrupt free.
-
Authorized and Social Penalties
A profitable jail break triggers quick and far-reaching penalties. Legislation enforcement businesses launch intensive manhunts, usually involving a number of jurisdictions and vital sources. The escapees, if apprehended, face extra costs, prolonged sentences, and stricter confinement. Clues may reference “manhunt,” “seize,” or “penalties,” prompting solvers to think about the authorized and social ramifications of a jail break. The influence on the jail itself can embrace elevated safety measures, inner investigations, and public scrutiny, highlighting the broader penalties of such occasions.
These sides of “jail break”meticulous planning, overcoming safety, psychological pressures, and vital consequencescontribute to its enduring presence inside the “felon’s flight” crossword theme. By exploring these components, solvers achieve a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities inherent in escaping from confinement, enriching the puzzle-solving expertise and offering insights into the human drive for freedom.
6. Abscond
“Abscond” occupies a definite place inside the “felon’s flight” crossword clue panorama. Its connotation of secretive and infrequently sudden departure aligns completely with the idea of escaping authorized penalties. Understanding the nuances of “abscond” gives precious perception into its utilization and significance in puzzle development and fixing.
-
Secrecy and Stealth
The act of absconding emphasizes secrecy and a deliberate avoidance of detection. Not like a brazen escape or a high-speed chase, absconding suggests a extra clandestine method, usually involving hid actions and disguised identities. Actual-life examples may embrace a white-collar prison quietly leaving the nation with stolen funds or a fugitive mixing into a brand new group below an assumed identify. In crossword clues, this interprets to synonyms like “vanish,” “disappear,” or “slip away,” difficult solvers to attach the idea of stealth with the act of fleeing.
-
Authorized Implications
Absconding carries vital authorized implications, usually compounding present costs and demonstrating a aware effort to evade justice. This act can set off intensified investigations, extradition proceedings, and elevated penalties upon seize. Crossword clues may make the most of phrases like “fugitive,” “extradition,” or “warrant,” requiring solvers to think about the authorized ramifications of absconding. The authorized context provides a layer of complexity, emphasizing the seriousness of the act past mere bodily escape.
-
Monetary Features
Absconding is continuously related to monetary crimes, equivalent to embezzlement, fraud, or theft. The act of fleeing with illicitly obtained funds reinforces the prison intent and gives a motive for the escape. Clues may incorporate phrases like “embezzle,” “defraud,” or “loot,” prompting solvers to attach the act of absconding with monetary motivations. The monetary facet provides a layer of intrigue, usually suggesting a calculated plan moderately than a spontaneous flight.
-
Psychological Motivation
The choice to abscond can stem from a wide range of psychological components, together with worry of punishment, a need to keep away from accountability, or a determined try to guard one’s fame. Clues may make use of phrases like “disgrace,” “guilt,” or “worry,” prompting solvers to think about the emotional drivers behind the act. The psychological facet provides depth to the “felon’s flight” theme, exploring the interior struggles and motivations that may result in such a drastic resolution.
These sides of “abscond” secrecy, authorized ramifications, monetary features, and psychological motivation enrich the “felon’s flight” crossword theme, offering a nuanced understanding of escape past mere bodily flight. Using “abscond” in crossword puzzles requires solvers to think about the authorized, monetary, and emotional complexities related to fleeing from justice, deepening the problem and including a layer of mental engagement to the puzzle-solving expertise. The profitable decoding of those clues depends on understanding the multifaceted nature of “abscond” and its place inside the broader context of crime, punishment, and evasion.
7. Flee
“Flee” holds a outstanding place inside the “felon’s flight” crossword clue theme, representing the elemental act of escaping hazard or pursuit. Its broad applicability and numerous connotations make it a flexible device for crossword constructors, providing a variety of potentialities for clue development and wordplay. Inspecting the multifaceted nature of “flee” gives precious insights into its utilization and significance inside this recurring theme.
-
Urgency and Haste
“Fleeing” usually implies a way of urgency and a speedy departure from a harmful state of affairs. This could manifest as a determined dash from pursuing authorities, a hasty retreat from against the law scene, or a clandestine departure below the quilt of darkness. In crossword clues, this sense of urgency may be conveyed via phrases like “bolt,” “sprint,” or “escape rapidly,” difficult solvers to attach the idea of pace and immediacy with the act of fleeing. Actual-world examples, equivalent to a financial institution robber sprinting from a heist or a fugitive disappearing right into a crowded market, illustrate the inherent urgency related to fleeing.
-
Motivations for Flight
The motivations behind fleeing can fluctuate broadly, from worry of apprehension and authorized penalties to a need for self-preservation or the safety of others. These motivations may be mirrored in crossword clues via the usage of phrases like “worry,” “hazard,” or “pursuit,” prompting solvers to think about the underlying causes for the escape. Understanding the motivations behind fleeing provides depth to the “felon’s flight” theme, transferring past the mere bodily act of escape to discover the psychological drivers behind such choices.
-
Strategies of Evasion
The strategies employed in fleeing can vary from easy acts of working and hiding to extra elaborate methods involving disguises, false identities, and the usage of numerous modes of transportation. Clues may make the most of phrases like “disguise,” “conceal,” or “evade,” difficult solvers to think about the varied ways employed in escaping pursuit. The chosen technique usually displays the particular circumstances of the flight, the sources obtainable to the fleeing particular person, and the character of the pursuing entity, whether or not legislation enforcement, rival criminals, or different threats.
-
Vacation spot and Sanctuary
The idea of fleeing usually implies in search of refuge or sanctuary in a secure location, away from the quick hazard or menace. This vacation spot might be a hidden hideout, a distant nation, or just the anonymity of a bustling metropolis. Crossword clues may use phrases like “hideout,” “refuge,” or “sanctuary,” prompting solvers to think about the final word purpose of the escape. The thought of a vacation spot provides a layer of complexity to the “felon’s flight” theme, suggesting a deliberate escape moderately than a purely reactive response. The character of the chosen sanctuary usually displays the fleeing particular person’s sources, connections, and long-term plans for evasion.
These sides of “flee”urgency, motivation, evasion strategies, and the seek for sanctuarycontribute to its significance inside the “felon’s flight” crossword theme. The phrase’s versatility permits for a variety of clue constructions, difficult solvers to think about the assorted features of escaping pursuit. By understanding these nuances, solvers achieve a deeper appreciation for the complexity of “flee” and its function on this enduring crossword theme, connecting the summary world of wordplay with the real-world implications of escape and evasion.
8. Bolt
“Bolt,” within the context of “felon’s flight” crossword clues, features as a vibrant key phrase, encapsulating the sudden and swift nature of an escape. Its utilization signifies greater than only a bodily act; it embodies the urgency, desperation, and calculated threat related to fleeing from confinement or pursuit. Exploring the assorted sides of “bolt” illuminates its significance inside this particular crossword theme.
-
A Sudden Departure
Bolt signifies a speedy, surprising departure. This aligns completely with the picture of a prisoner breaking free from confinement or a suspect fleeing against the law scene. The suddenness of the motion is vital, emphasizing the factor of shock and the swiftness required to evade seize. Examples embrace a prisoner dashing via an unlocked gate or a suspect sprinting from a pursuing officer. In crossword puzzles, this interprets to clues emphasizing pace and immediacy, equivalent to “Make a fast escape” or “Sprint away.”
-
Securing an Benefit
Bolting gives an important preliminary benefit in an escape try. The speedy departure creates distance from pursuers, offering precious time to vanish into crowds, discover cowl, or entry a getaway car. This tactical benefit is usually a key factor in fictional portrayals of escapes, highlighting the significance of pace in evading seize. Crossword clues may incorporate this factor via references to “head begin” or “gaining floor,” requiring solvers to attach the act of bolting with the strategic benefit it gives.
-
A Bodily Manifestation of Escape
The bodily act of bolting embodies the desperation and willpower inherent in a felon’s flight. It represents a visual manifestation of the will for freedom, even when non permanent. This physicality lends itself effectively to visible descriptions in literature and movie, usually depicting the uncooked power and adrenaline-fueled actions related to a sudden escape. Crossword clues can seize this visible factor via action-oriented verbs, difficult solvers to examine the bodily act of bolting.
-
A Metaphor for Freedom
Past its literal which means, “bolt” may also operate as a metaphor for freedom. It represents a break from confinement, each bodily and metaphorical, symbolizing the craving for liberation from restrictive circumstances. This metaphorical utilization expands the scope of the phrase past the purely bodily act of escape, including depth and complexity to its software in crossword clues. Clues may make use of extra summary language associated to liberation or breaking free, requiring solvers to interpret “bolt” in a extra figurative sense.
These sides of “bolt”sudden departure, securing a bonus, bodily manifestation of escape, and metaphorical illustration of freedomcontribute considerably to its relevance inside the “felon’s flight” crossword theme. Its utilization in clues requires solvers to think about not simply the bodily act of working, but additionally the strategic, psychological, and symbolic implications related to escaping confinement and pursuit. The profitable decoding of those clues depends on understanding the multifaceted nature of “bolt” and its place inside the broader narrative of crime, punishment, and the pursuit of freedom.
Continuously Requested Questions on “Felon’s Flight” Crossword Clues
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the use and interpretation of “felon’s flight” as a thematic factor in crossword puzzles.
Query 1: What makes “felon’s flight” a definite crossword theme?
The theme’s give attention to escape, pursuit, and the authorized system distinguishes it from different crossword themes. It requires solvers to assume each actually and figuratively, drawing upon vocabulary associated to crime, legislation enforcement, and evasion.
Query 2: How do these clues improve the puzzle-solving expertise?
These clues add a layer of complexity and mental stimulation past easy vocabulary recall. Efficiently deciphering them requires a deeper understanding of wordplay, synonyms, and idiomatic expressions related to prison justice.
Query 3: What are some frequent synonyms utilized in “felon’s flight” clues?
Widespread synonyms embrace escape, getaway, lam, jailbreak, jail break, abscond, flee, and bolt. These phrases and their variations seem continuously as options or inside clue phrasing.
Query 4: How can one enhance their skill to resolve these clues?
Familiarity with crime fiction, authorized terminology, and true crime tales can broaden one’s understanding of the vocabulary and ways related to escaping from the legislation, bettering the power to interpret these clues.
Query 5: Are these clues all the time associated to literal escapes from jail?
Not essentially. Whereas literal escapes are sometimes referenced, the theme may also embody metaphorical escapes, representing liberation from tough conditions or emotional burdens. This broader interpretation permits for higher thematic depth and wordplay.
Query 6: Why is that this theme enduringly common in crossword puzzles?
The enduring recognition stems from the inherent drama and intrigue related to crime and escape. The theme gives a wealthy supply of wordplay and permits for the development of difficult and fascinating puzzles that resonate with solvers.
Understanding the nuances of “felon’s flight” as a crossword theme enhances the puzzle-solving expertise and gives perception into the inventive means of puzzle development.
The next sections will discover particular examples and additional analyze the intricacies of this compelling theme.
Ideas for Fixing “Felon’s Flight” Crossword Clues
The following pointers provide methods for successfully deciphering clues associated to escapes, pursuits, and the authorized system inside crossword puzzles. Cautious consideration of those options can considerably improve one’s skill to resolve this particular sort of clue.
Tip 1: Think about Synonyms: Start by brainstorming synonyms for “flight” and associated phrases like “escape,” “getaway,” and “evasion.” This preliminary step expands the vary of potential options and gives a basis for analyzing the clue’s wording.
Tip 2: Suppose Past Literal Escapes: Whereas many clues discuss with bodily escapes, take into account metaphorical interpretations. Phrases like “freedom,” “liberation,” or “launch” can point out a broader which means past jail partitions.
Tip 3: Analyze the Clue’s Construction: Pay shut consideration to the clue’s grammatical construction and key phrases. Establish verbs, nouns, and adjectives that present hints concerning the answer. Search for double meanings and puns.
Tip 4: Draw Upon Associated Data: Familiarity with crime fiction, authorized terminology, and true crime tales can present precious context and develop vocabulary associated to prison justice and evasion ways.
Tip 5: Make the most of Crossword Aids: Thesaurus, dictionaries, and on-line crossword solvers can present help when encountering unfamiliar phrases or difficult clues. These instruments provide precious help for increasing vocabulary and figuring out potential options. Nonetheless, they need to be utilized strategically to keep away from hindering the training course of.
Tip 6: Think about the Size of the Resolution: Take note of the variety of letters required for the answer. This instantly narrows down the chances and helps remove phrases that do not match the grid.
Tip 7: Search for Cross-Referencing Clues: Intersecting phrases can present precious hints. Fixing associated clues can reveal letters inside the goal phrase, making it simpler to infer the answer.
Tip 8: Apply Often: Common engagement with crossword puzzles strengthens sample recognition and expands vocabulary associated to the theme. Constant observe improves the power to rapidly determine and resolve “felon’s flight” clues.
Using these methods enhances proficiency in deciphering clues associated to “felon’s flight,” contributing to a extra satisfying and enriching crossword puzzle expertise.
The following conclusion will summarize the important thing features of this theme and reiterate its significance inside the world of crossword puzzles.
Conclusion
This exploration has delved into the multifaceted nature of “felon’s flight” as a crossword theme, inspecting its linguistic, thematic, and cultural significance. Evaluation of key phrases like “escape,” “getaway,” “jailbreak,” and “abscond” revealed the depth and complexity embedded inside this seemingly easy idea. The examination highlighted the interaction between literal and metaphorical interpretations of escape, demonstrating the theme’s capability to evoke each bodily acts of evasion and broader ideas of freedom and liberation. The significance of vocabulary, clue development, and cultural context in deciphering these clues has been emphasised all through.
The enduring presence of “felon’s flight” inside crossword puzzles underscores its capability to problem solvers whereas providing a glimpse into the human fascination with crime, punishment, and the pursuit of freedom. Continued exploration of this theme guarantees additional insights into the intricate relationship between language, puzzle development, and the cultural narratives surrounding escape and evasion. This exploration encourages additional evaluation of how seemingly easy phrases can encode complicated narratives and supply a wealthy supply of mental engagement inside the seemingly easy pastime of crossword puzzles.