Atlantic Crossword Logo

"Time heals all wounds" and "Everything happens for a reason" - The Atlantic Crossword Clue

Across

  • The clue includes a question mark, indicating wordplay. Soccer players wear shin guards to protect their shins from injuries during the game. The “guarded” part of the clue refers to this protective gear, making SHIN the correct answer.

  • MVP stands for "Most Valuable Player," a prestigious recognition in sports. Lisa Leslie, a basketball legend, earned this title three times during her WNBA career due to her exceptional performance and leadership on the court. The abbreviation fits the clue perfectly.

  • The clue "Not spicy, maybe" suggests something mild or lacking intensity, which aligns with the word "TAME." Additionally, "maybe" indicates a hint of wordplay or interpretation—TAME can describe flavors that aren't bold or spicy, making it a fitting solution.

  • The answer is COLA because it is a popular carbonated drink commonly flavored with ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus oils to create its distinct taste. These flavors are characteristic of classic cola recipes, aligning perfectly with the clue.

  • The phrase "I think I'm ___ something" suggests realizing or discovering something significant. The correct word to complete the phrase is "ONTO," as in "I think I'm onto something," meaning you've identified or are close to figuring out an idea, clue, or insight. It's a common idiomatic expression.

  • The clue "Hallmark of a pen pal?" uses wordplay with the phrase "pen pal." Hallmark, known for greeting cards, hints at an "e-card" — a digital card often sent via email, much like a modern version of correspondence between pen pals. The pun lies in "pen pal" becoming a writer of e-cards.

  • The clue "How interesting!" in quotes signals a spoken reaction. "OOH" mimics the sound someone might make when intrigued or impressed, expressing interest or surprise. This fits perfectly as a verbal expression of "How interesting!".

  • "Saw" can mean a proverb or saying, which may be considered old or outdated—hence, "DATED." Additionally, "saw" could reference having seen something in the past, linking to the concept of being in a prior time, hence "DATED."

  • The answer is LIEV because Liev Schreiber is the actor who stars as the titular character in the TV series Ray Donovan. The clue directly references the actor's name and role, making LIEV the correct solution.

  • The question mark signals wordplay. "Telling stories" is a playful way to describe lying or fabricating tales. A "liar" is someone who enjoys (or habitually) tells false stories rather than factual ones, making it a clever double meaning and fitting answer.

  • The clue "Most fit to give advice" seeks a superlative quality indicating the best capacity to provide guidance. "Wisest" fits because wisdom implies sound judgment and knowledge, qualities ideal for advising. The superlative "most fit" aligns with "wisest," as "wise" is elevated to its highest degree here.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to an epic conclusion tomorrow, Sunday, July 19, 2026. Co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the historic 48-team tournament culminates with Spain taking on defending champions Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium.

  • The answer "DIRTYSODAS" fits the clue because dirty sodas are fizzy drinks (like soda) often mixed with cream, syrups, or toppings for a unique twist. The reference to "cold-foam toppers" adds to this description, as they sometimes feature foamy or creamy additions, aligning with the "dirty" soda concept.

  • The clue "Succeed" has the answer ENSUE because "ensue" means to follow or result, often in a sequence. It connects to the definition of succeeding as coming after or following something in time or order, fitting the straightforward clue.

  • RENO is the solution because it was historically known as the "Divorce Capital of the World" due to Nevada's lenient divorce laws in the early 20th century. Reno offered short residency requirements, attracting many seeking quick divorces before changes in law reduced this distinction. "Erstwhile" signals its former status.

  • The solution is ASTER because it is a flower in the daisy family. The name "Aster" comes from the Greek word for "star," referring to the star-like shape of its blooms, directly aligning with the clue's description.

  • The abbreviation "ESTD" stands for "Established," which is often engraved on cornerstones of buildings to indicate the year the structure was founded or built. Since "Abbr." in the clue signals a shortened form, "ESTD" fits perfectly as the cornerstone reference.

Down

  • The clue "High chair?" is a playful question. A "stool" is a type of high chair often used at bars or counters. The question mark in the clue indicates wordplay, leading to the double meaning of "high" referring to the chair's height.

  • HANOI is the capital of Vietnam, known for its traditional water-puppet shows. These performances, originating in Vietnamese culture, take place in shallow water, with puppets controlled by hidden puppeteers. The clue directly ties the unique art form to its cultural hub, making HANOI the correct answer.

  • The clue, in quotes, indicates a spoken phrase of self-blame or regret. "That was entirely my screwup!" reflects someone acknowledging full responsibility for an error. The answer "I'M THE WORST" is a colloquial expression of admitting fault in an exaggerated, self-critical manner, perfectly matching the intent of the clue.

  • The answer is NEO because this quote is from The Matrix movie, spoken by the protagonist Neo. It references a pivotal moment when he starts realizing his ability to manipulate the simulated reality, including dodging bullets. The quoted line directly ties to Neo's iconic character in the film series.

  • The clue "Ran show" leads to MCED because the term "MC" refers to a "Master of Ceremonies," someone who hosts or runs a show. Adding "ED" indicates past tense, fitting "Ran." Thus, "Ran show" cryptically describes "MCED," meaning the person acted as an MC.

  • The answer "VOCALSCORE" fits because it specifically refers to sheet music that includes both vocal parts for a singer and an accompaniment part for a pianist. A vocal score is commonly used in performances and rehearsals, making it the perfect term for this definition.

  • The clue presents two overused, generic sayings. These are examples of platitudes, which are common, shallow statements that offer no real insight or originality. "Time heals all wounds" and "Everything happens for a reason" fit this description perfectly, making PLATITUDES the correct answer.

  • The clue "What a line doesn't have" plays on the geometric concept of a line. In geometry, a line extends infinitely in one dimension and thus has no width or surface, meaning it lacks "area." This is why the answer is AREA—something a line doesn't have.

  • DDR stands for "Dance Dance Revolution," a popular arcade game where players step on pressure-sensitive pads in sync with on-screen arrows to the beat of music. The abbreviation fits the clue, focusing on the game’s foot-based gameplay and its widespread recognition in arcades.

  • The phrase "It's all good!" suggests something inherently positive or a moral quality. VIRTUE represents goodness, morality, or an admirable quality, perfectly aligning with the clue's sentiment of "all good." The wordplay emphasizes the overarching "goodness" captured by virtue.

  • The clue "More covert" describes something stealthier, secretive, or sneaky. "SLYER" is the comparative form of "sly," meaning more cunning or deceitful, fitting the description of being "more covert." It directly aligns with the idea of increased stealth or subtlety.

  • The clue "People making Post marks?: abbr." plays on wordplay with "Post" referring to a newspaper, like The Washington Post. "Marks" hints at edits or changes. Therefore, "EDS" is short for "Editors," the people responsible for making marks or edits in newspapers like the Post.

  • The clue "The W column" plays on sports standings where "W" represents wins in the win-loss record. Thus, the answer "WINS" directly corresponds to the "W" column, making it a straightforward yet clever reference to sports lingo.

  • When overheated, humans or animals may PANT to cool off by releasing heat through rapid breathing. This action serves as a physiological way to regulate body temperature, aligning cleverly with the clue's intent.

  • The "Org. that's always breaking deals?" clue is a play on words. The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is known for "busting" or breaking illegal drug deals. The question mark signals the pun— "breaking deals" refers to disrupting criminal drug activities, fitting the DEA's mission.

  • The clue "Roll around outside?" includes wordplay, hinted by the question mark. "Roll" can reference grass or turf rolled for landscaping, and "outside" suggests nature. SOD, a layer of grass and soil, fits this punny description, as it's often laid or "rolled around" outdoors in landscaping work.

Rate This Solver

View Yesterday's Puzzle

Solving today’s The Atlantic Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 10-letter answer to the "Time heals all wounds" and "Everything happens for a reason" clue? Don’t worry, Lady Puzzle Pro has you covered! Whether you want the answer right away, revealed letter by letter, or this wordplay seems too puzzling, keep reading for the explanation.

"Time heals all wounds" and "Everything happens for a reason" Answer Explained

The answer is PLATITUDES.

The clue lists two examples of overused phrases or clichés: "Time heals all wounds" and "Everything happens for a reason." These are commonly referred to as platitudes which are statements meant to be meaningful but are typically shallow, unoriginal, or trite. The use of quotes in the clue signals that these are phrases or expressions being referenced. The answer appropriately captures the essence of the clue by categorizing these sayings as platitudes.

Now that you've cracked the 7D "Time heals all wounds" and "Everything happens for a reason" clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s The Atlantic Crossword Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry, we've got you covered. Explore more The Atlantic Crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the Bracket City, Stacks, or NYT The Daily Crossword.

Today’s The Atlantic Crossword Highlights

I just finished Saturday's Atlantic Crossword and really enjoyed the mix of clues! Some were straightforward, like MCP for "succeed" and SLYER for "more covert." Others were tricky, like LIAR for "Person who enjoys telling stories?" — clever! I liked the inclusion of pop culture, such as "Neo" and LIEV Schreiber. VOCALSCORE and DIRTY SODAS were fun to uncover, though took a few tries. The mix of wordplay and trivia, especially around WORLD CUP, kept it engaging. Solid puzzle overall!

Here’s what caught our attention today:

About The Atlantic Crossword and The Atlantic Games

A Daily Puzzle for Every Solver

The Atlantic Crossword is a daily digital crossword designed to challenge and delight solvers of all levels. It was launched in 2018 and has since become a standout offering among modern crosswords, with fresh clues and clever themes.

Weekday Progression: From Easy to Tricky

  • Monday to Friday: The puzzle starts small on Monday and increases in size and difficulty throughout the week.
  • Sunday Edition: A larger, more challenging puzzle appears every Sunday, constructed by a rotating cast of skilled puzzle makers.

Where to Play

You can access the crossword directly on The Atlantic’s website or via their mobile app.

Social Play Feature

Want to solve with friends? The Atlantic Crossword includes a Social Play option that lets you invite others to collaborate in real time, perfect for puzzling together from afar.

Free and Subscriber-Only Access

Most daily puzzles are free to play. However, some bonus content, like archives and special puzzles, may be reserved for Atlantic subscribers.

Part of a Growing Puzzle Lineup

The crossword is just one part of The Atlantic’s puzzle suite. Other original games include:

  • Bracket City: The Atlantic’s fan-favorite game, where you solve nested clues to uncover events from that day in history. Need help solving the clues? Try our Bracket City Answers and Hints.
  • Stacks: A fresh take on wordplay and strategy, where you sort layered word tiles into tidy stacks. Stuck on today’s set? Use our Stacks Solver.
  • Fluxis: A daily blend of language and logic, where the goal is to uncover a secret pattern. Try our Fluxis Solver!
  • Caleb’s Inferno: A monthly, high-difficulty puzzle from Caleb Madison that challenges even elite solvers.
Lady Puzzle Pro Avatar