The phrase in query refers to a selected sort of phrase puzzle immediate encountered when fixing crosswords. These prompts are designed to guide the solver to a solution associated to the assessments or examinations typically undertaken by people pursuing doctoral levels. For instance, a clue like “PhD hopeful’s hurdle” may consequence within the reply “QUALS,” brief for qualifying examinations.
The prevalence of some of these clues displays a cultural consciousness of the rigorous educational processes inherent in postgraduate research. They function a compact technique of referencing complicated processes throughout the constraints of a crossword grid. The frequent look of such entries additionally signifies a typical understanding, amongst crossword constructors and solvers, of the challenges related to doctoral applications.
