Closely tracking - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Closely tracking," is a great example of a straightforward definition that points to a vivid and versatile word. It's a phrase we understand intuitively, and the answer it seeks is likely one you've used in a couple of different contexts. Let's break down how to get there.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a two-word phrase: "Closely tracking." The structure, ending in an "-ing" verb, is a strong signal that the answer will also be a gerund or present participle (a word ending in -ING). The core of the clue is "tracking," which means following or monitoring. The adverb "closely" is the key qualifier, suggesting proximity, stealth, and persistence. We're looking for a word that means more than just following; it means following right behind, almost inseparably.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might approach this clue in a few ways:

1. Synonym Brainstorm: Start with the word "tracking." Synonyms include following, tailing, pursuing, and observing. Now, which of these is intensified by the word "closely"? Tailing is a very strong candidate, as it implies being right on someone's tail.

2. Metaphorical Leap: What follows a person as closely as possible? Their own shadow. This line of thinking can lead you to consider "shadow" as a verb. What is the "-ing" form of that verb?

3. Contextualization: Think about situations where someone is "closely tracking" another. A detective might be doing it to a suspect. A trainee might be doing it to a mentor to learn a job. The term "job shadowing" is a common phrase in the professional world and might be the key that unlocks the answer for you.

Background Context

The answer to this clue is interesting because it has two primary, and somewhat distinct, meanings. The first is the one you see in spy movies and detective stories: the surreptitious following of a person. The imagery is of being so close and silent that you are like their shadow.

The second meaning is found in professional development and education. When someone "shadows" a doctor, a lawyer, or a tradesperson, they are engaging in on-the-job learning by observation. This practice is a cornerstone of many apprenticeships and internships. The clue works beautifully because it's general enough to encompass both the clandestine and the educational senses of the word.

Conclusion

"Closely tracking" is an elegant and precise clue for a word that captures the essence of persistent observation. Whether in the context of espionage or education, the answer fits perfectly, making it a satisfying entry to solve in any crossword grid.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about the act of following someone secretly.
2. Hint 2: This word can describe a key activity for a private investigator.
3. Hint 3: It can also refer to learning a job by observing an experienced professional.
4. Hint 4: The word is related to the dark shape a person casts on the ground.

The answer is SHADOWING.