Thing of the past

RELIC

["**Hint:** \"An object preserved from an earlier time, often with historical significance.\"\n\nThis hint gently guides the solver by expanding on the idea of something from the past while avoiding direct repetition of the original clue. It provides context without giving away the answer outright."]

The clue **"Thing of the past"** leads to the answer **"RELIC"** through a straightforward definition. A **relic** is an object, tradition, or remnant from an earlier time, often preserved due to its historical or sentimental value. The clue directly hints at something that belongs to or is associated with the past, making **"RELIC"** a fitting and precise answer. There is no wordplay or pun involved in this clue—it relies purely on the definition of the word. However, the brevity of the clue makes it an elegant example of a simple, direct crossword definition.