If you are a fan of crossword puzzles, you might have encountered the clue “kept moving quickly” in the New York Times crossword puzzle of October 4, 2022. This clue was part of a challenging and creative puzzle created by Joe Deeney and edited by Will Shortz. The answer to this clue is ZOOMEDALONG, which is an 11-letter word that means to move at a very fast speed.

Why is ZOOMEDALONG the Correct Answer?

There are several reasons why ZOOMEDALONG is the correct answer to the clue “kept moving quickly”. First of all, it fits the number of letters and the pattern of the clue, which is Z???A???. Secondly, it is a word that is commonly used to describe fast movement, especially in a vehicle or on a road. Thirdly, it is a word that has a lively and energetic sound, which matches the tone of the puzzle and the clue. Finally, it is a word that is not too obscure or difficult, but also not too obvious or easy, which makes it a satisfying and rewarding answer to find.

How to Find ZOOMEDALONG in the Puzzle?

To find ZOOMEDALONG in the puzzle, you need to look at the other clues and answers that intersect with it. For example, the first letter Z is shared with the clue “In South America they’re known as gallinas de palo or chickens of the tree”, which has the answer IGUANAS. The second letter O is shared with the clue “Greyhound’s competition”, which has the answer AMTRAK. The third letter O is shared with the clue “Little demon”, which has the answer IMP. The fourth letter M is shared with the clue “Acts coy in salary negotiations”, which has the answer LOWBALLS. The fifth letter E is shared with the clue “Components of some kitschy clocks”, which has the answer CATS. The sixth letter D is shared with the clue “What was once yours”, which has the answer EX. The seventh letter A is shared with the clue “Play opener”, which has the answer ACTI. The eighth letter L is shared with the clue “Celeb’s hangout”, which has the answer VIPROOM. The ninth letter O is shared with the clue “Public stance of a member of Congress”, which has the answer VOTE. The tenth letter N is shared with the clue “Unsavory relation”, which has the answer INLAW. The eleventh letter G is shared with the clue “Clichéd name for a lab assistant”, which has the answer IGOR.

By looking at these clues and answers, you can narrow down the possible words that fit the pattern Z???A???. You can also use some logic and common sense to eliminate some unlikely words. For example, you can rule out words that start with ZO and end with G, such as ZOOLOG or ZOOPHAG, because they are not related to fast movement. You can also rule out words that have double letters, such as ZOOMMABLE or ZOOMANNEX, because they do not match the pattern. You can also rule out words that have uncommon or rare letters, such as ZOOGAMETE or ZOONOSIS, because they are too obscure or difficult. By doing this, you can eventually arrive at the correct answer, which is ZOOMEDALONG.

How to Improve Your Crossword Solving Skills?

If you enjoyed solving the clue “kept moving quickly” and the puzzle of October 4, 2022, you might want to improve your crossword solving skills and challenge yourself with more puzzles. Here are some tips and resources that can help you do that:

• Practice regularly. The more you solve crossword puzzles, the more you will learn new words, clues, and patterns. You will also develop your vocabulary, memory, and logic skills. You can find many crossword puzzles online, such as the New York Times crossword, which is updated daily and has different levels of difficulty. You can also buy crossword books or magazines, or download crossword apps on your phone or tablet.
• Use a dictionary or a thesaurus. Sometimes, you might encounter a word or a clue that you are not familiar with, or that has multiple meanings or synonyms. In that case, you can use a dictionary or a thesaurus to look up the definition, spelling, or related words of the word or clue. You can also use online tools, such as OneLook or Wordplays, that can help you find words that fit a certain pattern or length.
• Use a crossword solver. If you are stuck on a clue or a word, and you cannot find any help from a dictionary or a thesaurus, you can use a crossword solver to get some hints or suggestions. A crossword solver is a tool that can generate possible answers to a clue or a word, based on the number of letters, the pattern, or the known letters. You can find many crossword solvers online, such as Crossword Solver or Crossword Clue Solver. However, you should use a crossword solver sparingly, and only as a last resort, because it can take away the fun and the challenge of solving a crossword puzzle by yourself.
• Learn from the experts. If you want to learn more about the art and the science of crossword puzzle creation and solving, you can read books, articles, blogs, or podcasts by crossword experts, such as Will Shortz, Rex Parker, or Deb Amlen. You can also watch documentaries, such as Wordplay or The New York Times Presents: The Puzzle Master, that feature interviews and insights from crossword celebrities, such as Jon Stewart, Bill Clinton, or Ken Burns. You can also join crossword communities, such as the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament or the Crossword Puzzle Collaboration Directory, where you can meet, interact, and learn from other crossword enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The clue “kept moving quickly” is a great example of a clever and catchy crossword clue that can challenge and entertain crossword solvers. The answer to this clue is ZOOMEDALONG, which is a word that means to move at a very fast speed. To find this answer, you need to look at the other clues and answers that intersect with it, and use some logic and common sense to eliminate some unlikely words. To improve your crossword solving skills, you can practice regularly, use a dictionary or a thesaurus, use a crossword solver, and learn from the experts. By doing this, you can enjoy the fun and the benefits of crossword puzzles, and become a better and smarter crossword solver.