The phrase refers to a typical entry in crossword puzzles the place the answer describes a way of consuming, particularly one paying homage to feline habits. The reply usually represents the motion of lapping up liquid with the tongue, much like how a cat consumes water or milk. A probable answer, given the context of a crossword, is “LAPS.”
Such clues are regularly encountered because of their concise nature and the familiarity of the related picture. Crossword lovers typically discover all these clues accessible, because the connection between the described motion and the animal is instantly obvious. The longevity of the sort of clue stems from its simplicity and cultural understanding of animal behaviors.