There you are, flat out on the lounge with your favourite pen, the weekend’s crossword from The Sydney Morning Herald splayed out before you. You’re cruising through the clues until you hit a roadblock: “of a flexible lamp”. Your mind races—LED? Bendy? Adjustable? Nothing seems to fit the grid. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. This classic crossword clue trips up countless solvers, but the answer is closer than you think. Let’s crack it, using the tool beloved by cruciverbalists worldwide: Dan Word.
And for those who want the quick answer, here it is: The solution to the crossword clue “of a flexible lamp” is GOOSENECK.
Now, let’s dive into the ‘why’ and arm you with the knowledge to conquer this and other tricky clues like a true Aussie pro.
What is the Answer to “Of a Flexible Lamp”?
The definitive answer, as confirmed by crossword solver databases like Dan Word, is GOOSENECK.
A gooseneck lamp is characterised by its long, flexible, and adjustable metal neck, which can be bent and positioned exactly where you need light—much like the graceful curve of a goose’s neck. This specific design makes “gooseneck” the precise and colourful term setters love to use.
Why This Clue Tricks Australian Solvers
This clue is a classic example of crossword misdirection. Your brain might initially jump to:
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Descriptive Adjectives: Like “BENDY” or “ADJUSTABLE”.
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Modern Tech: “LED” is a common guess, referring to the bulb type, not the lamp’s structure.
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Brand Names: Some might think of specific brands, but crosswords typically seek generic terms.
The trick lies in the phrasing “of a…”. This indicates the answer is an adjective or a noun acting as an adjective that describes a type of lamp, not just a feature. It needs to be a single, compound word that perfectly encapsulates “flexible.” That’s where GOOSENECK shines. You’ll find this clue popping up regularly in Australian favourites like The Age and The Australian crosswords, often tripping up even the most seasoned solvers.
Deep Dive: The ‘Gooseneck’ Explained
So, why “gooseneck”? It’s a wonderful piece of descriptive language.
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Origin: The term is a straightforward visual metaphor. The flexible, tubular neck of the lamp closely resembles the long, curving neck of a goose or swan.
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Types & Uses: Gooseneck lamps are iconic for good reason. They’re the quintessential desk lamp for students, the precise task light for hobbyists and jewellers, and a robust fixture in workshops and garages. Their design allows light to be directed without moving the base, making them incredibly practical.
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A Crossword Favourite: Compilers adore words like “gooseneck.” They’re vivid, specific, and have a satisfying combination of common letters (like O, E, N) and less common ones (G, K), making them excellent grid-fillers.
How Dan Word Solves It for Aussie Puzzlers
When you’re stumped, turning to Dan Word is a savvy move. It’s a vast, community-edited database of crossword clues and answers compiled from puzzles across the UK and Australia.
How to use Dan Word for Australian crosswords:
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Head to danword.com.
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In the search bar, type your clue exactly as it appears. For our example, you could type “of a flexible lamp”.
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Dan Word will instantly return its best matches. You can also use question marks for unknown letters (e.g.,
g??s?n?ck). -
Pro Tip for Aussies: Be mindful of spelling. If an answer isn’t showing up, try the British English spelling (e.g., “colour” vs. “color”). Many crossword databases have a UK heritage, but they include answers common to Australian puzzles.
You can try the search for this clue directly here: Dan Word search for “flexible lamp”.
Top Tips for Australian Crossword Enthusiasts
To elevate your solving game, keep these local tips in mind:
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Stick to Local Favourites: Practice with puzzles from The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), The Australian, and The Age. Their setters have distinct styles you’ll learn to recognise.
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Navigate the UK/AU Divide: Many of our puzzles share a heritage with British crosswords. Don’t be surprised by clues referencing UK-specific terms like “Aga” or “Essex.” Conversely, true-blue Aussie clues might reference ‘arvo’, ‘ute’, or ‘sanga’.
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Expand Your Solver Toolkit: While Dan Word is fantastic, also bookmark:
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The Crossword Solver (crosswordsolver.com): Another powerful pattern-matching tool.
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Your Dictionary: For checking definitions and synonyms with an Australian English focus.
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FAQs: Your Crossword Questions Answered
Q: What is a flexible lamp called?
A: It is most commonly called a gooseneck lamp, named for its adjustable, curving neck.
Q: How do I use Dan Word for crosswords?
A: Simply visit danword.com, type your clue into the search box, and browse the suggested answers. Using question marks for unknown letters can help narrow results.
Q: What are other common crossword clues for lamps?
A: Look out for: “Desk light,” “Light source,” “Study aid,” “Torch relative,” or more cryptic descriptions like “Shedder of light.”
Q: Is Dan Word free to use?
A: Absolutely. Dan Word is a completely free, ad-supported online resource for crossword solvers.
Conclusion: Lightbulb Moment, Sorted!
So, the next time “of a flexible lamp” appears in your grid, you’ll confidently pencil in GOOSENECK. More importantly, you’re now equipped with the know-how to use tools like Dan Word effectively and navigate the unique world of Australian crosswords.
Got stumped by another clue recently? Drop it in the comments below—we’d love to help you crack it! And if you found this guide useful, why not share it with your fellow solving mates? For more weekly tips, deep dives into tricky clues like “of a flexible lamp”, and Aussie crossword chat, consider subscribing to our newsletter. Happy solving.
