Symbols of grace

SWANS

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue **\"Symbols of grace\"** (answer: **SWANS**):\n\n*\"Elegant birds often seen gliding on water.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the answer by focusing on the visual and behavioral traits of swans without directly stating their symbolic meaning. It’s easier than the original clue but still requires the solver to make the connection."]

The clue **"Symbols of grace"** leads to the answer **"SWANS"** through a combination of direct meaning and symbolic association. - **Direct Meaning**: Swans are often culturally and poetically associated with grace due to their elegant appearance and smooth movements on water. - **Symbolism**: In literature, mythology, and art, swans are frequently used as symbols of beauty, purity, and grace (e.g., ballet's *Swan Lake* or the phrase "swan song"). - **Wordplay**: The clue is straightforward, relying on the solver's knowledge of symbolic associations rather than cryptic wordplay. Thus, **"SWANS"** is the correct answer because they are widely recognized as emblems of grace.