Long-eared leaper

HARE

This fast runner is often confused with its smaller, burrowing cousin but is known for its powerful hind legs and solitary nature. Look for a four-letter word linked to springtime races in folklore.

"Long-eared leaper" describes a hare, a fast-moving animal known for its long ears and powerful hind legs that let it jump great distances. The clue plays on the hare’s physical traits—its distinctive ears and bounding gait—without any hidden wordplay or tricks. It’s a straightforward definition, so you just picture the animal that fits: not a rabbit (which is smaller and burrows), but its larger, speedier cousin.