Stumped on a Crossword? Crack the Clue for ‘Good’ or ‘By’

As I unraveled the enigmatic crossword puzzle, my detective instincts were ignited by the tantalizing clue “Word after good or by.” Armed with knowledge and a keen eye for patterns, I delved into the intricate web of options that lay before me. Firstly, I analyzed the phrase “Word after good.” Numerous possibilities existed, but one stood out, a word often associated with surprise or exclamation. Yes, it was none other than “GOLLY.” However, it still left the second half of the clue, “Word after by,” unsolved. Motivated by determination, I scrutinized the possibilities once again. Suddenly, a connection dawned on me. The phrase “by golly” emerged as a colloquial expression, frequently used to express astonishment or affirmation. It struck me that this phrase, when dissected, revealed the word “GOLLY” sandwiched between “by” and “! ” — an exclamation mark. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and triumphantly, I penned down the answer: GOLLY. The clever integration of familiar phrases, the nuanced understanding of linguistic interplay, and the power of deduction ultimately unveiled the solution to this captivating crossword mystery.