Stumped by a ‘Ava’ crossword clue? Unmask the answer here!

As I delved into the crossword puzzle and encountered the clue “As Ava ___ nearby, gathering her courage,” my detective instincts kicked into high gear. My first thought was to focus on the word “nearby,” indicating that Ava was in close proximity. However, this alone didn’t provide many clues. To gain a deeper understanding, I focused on the second part of the sentence, “gathering her courage.”

The phrase “gathering her courage” suggested that Ava was preparing herself mentally for something, possibly overcoming her fears or anxiety. I pondered on actions that reflect a gathering of courage and realized that one common behavior is idling. When we are hesitant or uncertain, we often pause or idle, gathering our strength before taking action.

With this realization, the answer to the crossword clue swiftly became evident: “IDLED“. As Ava idled nearby, she was likely mustering her inner resolve, preparing herself to face something daunting. The word “idled” perfectly conveyed the image of Ava gathering her courage, mentally preparing herself for what lay ahead.

The mystery of the crossword clue was solved, and once again, I had successfully employed my keen detective skills to unravel the enigma.