Measure the speed of (5) Crossword Clue
Answer: CLOCK
Understanding the Clue
- CLOCK fits perfectly for clues playing on the double meaning of "clock" as both a timepiece and a verb meaning to measure speed (e.g., "clock a runner at 10 seconds" or "the car was clocked at 100 mph").
- The phrase "measure the speed of" directly evokes the informal usage of "clock" in timing events, races, or vehicles—common in sports commentary, police radar contexts, and everyday language.
- Crossword constructors love CLOCK for this type of wordplay clue, where a familiar noun doubles as a verb with a precise synonymous meaning.
- The five-letter constraint makes CLOCK the clear choice, with its strong, recognizable letter pattern.
Why CLOCK Works for This Clue
- Verb accuracy → "To clock" specifically means to measure or record speed/time, as in "clocking a pitch" in baseball or "clocking someone's speed" on a highway.
- Common usage → Frequently appears in phrases like "clock speed" (computing), "clock a mile" (running), or radar gun contexts, reinforcing the "measure speed" sense.
- Wordplay appeal → The clue misdirects solvers toward time measurement (chronometers, stopwatches) before revealing the speed-specific verb, a classic crossword pun.
- Contextual flexibility → Works in general puzzles but shines in themes involving time, speed, sports, or double-duty words.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Pattern Recognition Strategy → For short clues (5 letters) involving "measure," "time," or "speed," watch for verbs disguised as nouns—CLOCK is a frequent flyer in verb-definition clues.
- Letter Placement → The distinctive C-L-O-C-K sequence (repeated C's, ending K) quickly confirms via crossings; alternatives rarely share this pattern.
- Context Reading → Puzzles with time, sports, or law enforcement themes often feature CLOCK; it pairs well with clues like "Timepiece" (also CLOCK) or "Radar gun reading."
- Synonym Expansion → Build lists for "measure speed" synonyms by length—four letters (TIME), five letters (CLOCK), six letters (TIMING rarely).
- Cross-Reference Method → Use perpendicular answers to lock in the repeated C or the O-C-K ending, ruling out words like "gauge" or "meter."
Measure the speed of (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Could "TIMER" also fit this clue?
A: TIMER has five letters and relates to measuring time/duration, but CLOCK is the specific verb for measuring speed; "timer" is more a device or role.
Q: Are there alternatives if the letter count differs?
A: For four letters, "TIME" (as verb); for six, "PACING" or "SPEEDO" (short for speedometer). Stick to the exact count.
Q: How do I distinguish between similar clues?
A: "Measure the speed of" seeks CLOCK (verb), while "Speedometer" might clue GAUGE or DIAL, and "Timekeeper" points to CLOCK as noun.
Q: Does CLOCK ever mean something else in crosswords?
A: Yes—frequently "Timepiece," "Punch (informally)" (as in clock someone), or "Ornament on a sock." Context with "speed" clarifies the verb sense.
Q: What's the difficulty level of this clue?
A: Intermediate. The wordplay between time and speed misdirects beginners (who might try "time" or "pace"), but experienced solvers spot the verb usage quickly for a satisfying "aha" moment.
