In the Blink of an Eye (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: RAPIDLY
The crossword clue "In the blink of an eye (7)" has the answer RAPIDLY, a seven-letter adverb that perfectly captures the essence of something happening with incredible speed and swiftness. This common crossword puzzle solution appears frequently in daily puzzles across major publications, making it an essential answer for crossword enthusiasts to remember.
Understanding the Crossword Clue "In the Blink of an Eye"
This crossword clue uses a popular idiom that describes something happening very quickly or instantaneously. In the blink of an eye refers to actions, events, or changes that occur so fast they seem to happen in the time it takes to blink – roughly 300-400 milliseconds.
The phrase has been used in crossword puzzles for decades because it creates a clear mental image while maintaining the perfect letter count for various grid sizes.
Crossword constructors favor this clue because it's both accessible to solvers and linguistically precise. The answer rapidly encompasses not just speed but also the continuity of swift action, making it more comprehensive than alternatives like "quickly" or "swiftly."
Why "RAPIDLY" is the Perfect Crossword Answer
Rapidly serves as the ideal solution for this crossword clue because it contains exactly seven letters and maintains perfect semantic alignment with the given phrase. The word derives from the Latin "rapidus," meaning swift or hasty, giving it classical etymology that crossword puzzle creators appreciate for its linguistic depth.
The letter combination R-A-P-I-D-L-Y provides excellent crossing opportunities in crossword grids, with common letters that intersect well with other words. This makes it a constructor's favorite for building cohesive puzzle layouts while maintaining solving accessibility.
Related Crossword Clues and Patterns
Solvers who master "In the blink of an eye (7)" should also familiarize themselves with related speed clues that frequently appear in crossword puzzles:
- "At breakneck speed" - often leads to RAPIDLY or similar answers
- "Without delay" - commonly solved with PROMPTLY
- "In no time" - frequently answered with SOON or QUICKLY
- "Like lightning" - typically resolved with FAST
In the Blink of an Eye (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q. What other 7-letter words mean "in the blink of an eye"?
A. While RAPIDLY is the most common answer, other 7-letter possibilities include QUICKLY, SWIFTLY, and HASTILY, though these appear less frequently in crossword puzzles for this specific clue.
Q. How can I remember this crossword answer?
A. Associate the visual image of blinking with the "R-A-P" beginning of RAPIDLY. The rapid movement of eyelids mirrors the rapid pace described by the word.
Q. Why do crossword constructors use this clue so often?
A. The clue offers perfect letter count (7), clear meaning, common vocabulary, and excellent crossing potential with both vowels and consonants in strategic positions.
Q. Are there any tricks for solving speed-related crossword clues?
A. Look for adverbs ending in "-ly," consider the letter count carefully, and remember that speed clues often use common, everyday vocabulary rather than obscure terms.
