This refers to a crossword clue where the answer relates to choosing avoidance or escape over confrontation. The clue likely plays on the common “fight or flight” idiom, referring to the instinctual response to a perceived threat. An example might be a clue like “Avoiding a brawl” with the answer being “FLEEING”.
Such clues offer a clever twist on a familiar concept, requiring solvers to think beyond the literal and consider synonymous terms or related actions. This approach adds depth and complexity to the puzzle, rewarding solvers with a sense of accomplishment upon deciphering the intended meaning. The “fight or flight” response itself has a rich history in psychological study, initially described by Walter Bradford Cannon in the early 20th century. Its presence in a crossword puzzle demonstrates the wide-ranging influences that can be incorporated into this popular pastime.
