Shaft of lightning (4) Crossword Clue
Answer: BOLT (4 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Shaft of lightning (4)" with 4 letters is "BOLT". This refers to a sudden flash or discharge of lightning, often described as a bolt.
Why “BOLT” Fits
The clue asks for a term meaning a sudden, bright streak or shaft of electrical discharge from the sky (4).
“BOLT” is the classic expression "a bolt of lightning," directly evoking the rapid, arrow-like flash that characterises a lightning strike.
The word BOLT has 4 letters, so it fits the (4) enumeration required by the clue.
A Bit of Background
The phrase "bolt of lightning" dates back to at least the 16th century, drawing on the idea of a bolt as a short, heavy arrow shot from a crossbow—quick, straight, and powerful—perfectly mirroring the appearance and speed of lightning.
In quick crosswords like the Irish Daily Mail Quick and other British dailies, "bolt" is a perennial favourite for lightning-related clues due to its brevity, familiarity, and precise imagery in everyday language.
