This sort of crossword clue signifies a state of speechlessness or an lack of ability to articulate ideas or emotions. It factors in direction of a solution suggesting silence, an absence of verbal response, or a situation the place communication via phrases is unattainable. Examples of options may embody “SILENT,” “MUTE,” “SPEECHLESS,” or “DUMBSTRUCK.”
Such clues are beneficial in crossword puzzles as a result of they require solvers to assume conceptually, transferring past easy definitions. They usually add a layer of complexity, forcing solvers to contemplate synonyms, associated ideas, and idiomatic expressions. This sort of clue has doubtless existed for so long as cryptic and complicated crossword puzzles have been created, enjoying a task in rising problem and fascinating solvers on a extra nuanced stage.