Subject of a wild chase (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: GOOSE
Understanding the Clue: Subject of a Wild Chase
- The crossword clue "Subject of a wild chase (5)" directly points to GOOSE, referring to the famous expression "wild goose chase."
- This phrase describes a futile pursuit or search that leads nowhere, making it a perfect metaphor for something that becomes the subject of an endless, fruitless chase.
- The answer GOOSE fits perfectly with five letters and connects to one of English literature's most enduring idioms, first popularized by William Shakespeare in his play "Romeo and Juliet."
Alternative Crossword Clues for GOOSE
- "Honker in the park" (referring to the bird's distinctive call)
- "Christmas dinner option" (traditional holiday meal)
- "Golden egg layer, in fable" (referencing Aesop's fables)
- "Silly person, informally" (as in "silly goose")
- "Barnyard bird" (straightforward definition)
- "Migration participant" (seasonal behavior)
Expert Crossword-Solving Insights
- Experienced solvers recognize that "Subject of a wild chase" represents intermediate difficulty, requiring knowledge of common expressions rather than obscure facts.
- The clue's straightforward structure—adjective + noun + parenthetical letter count—follows classic crossword conventions.
- The key insight involves recognizing that "subject of" indicates the target or focus, not the agent performing the action.
- This grammatical understanding helps distinguish between what's being chased versus what's doing the chasing.
Subject of a wild chase (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other five-letter animals associated with chases?
A: While MOUSE could work for cat-and-mouse chases, GOOSE remains the most common answer due to the "wild goose chase" expression.
Q: Could this clue have alternative answers?
A: The specific phrasing "wild chase" strongly suggests the idiom, making GOOSE the intended answer over alternatives like QUARRY or PRIZE.
Q: How often does GOOSE appear in crosswords?
A: GOOSE appears regularly due to its useful letter combination and multiple cluing possibilities, from literal bird references to idiomatic expressions.
