The phrase “praise to the skies” frequently appears as the solution to crossword puzzles. The expression describes the act of offering extremely high praise or commendation. For example, a movie critic might “praise to the skies” a film they find exceptionally well-made and moving. The completed entry in the crossword grid conforms to the number of squares dictated by the clue, and typically uses common words or phrases.
Its prevalence in crosswords stems from a combination of factors. It is a relatively common idiom, making it recognizable to a broad range of solvers. Furthermore, its length allows it to fill a specific niche in grid design. The benefit of recognizing this expression to a crossword solver is an increased ability to solve grids with that specific answer or with intersecting words. The idiomatic nature of the phrase lends itself to cryptic clueing, adding layers of complexity to puzzles and making their solution more rewarding.
