Smooth over, in a way

“Smooth over, in a way” – Cracking the Code of This Common Crossword Clue

Ah, the world of crossword puzzles. A delightful, brain-tickling escape from the daily grind. But sometimes, even seasoned solvers find themselves stumped by a particularly tricky clue. Today, we’re tackling one that pops up quite frequently:

“Smooth over, in a way.”

This clue can be a bit of a chameleon, morphing into different, yet equally valid, answers depending on the context of the puzzle. It’s the kind of clue that requires you to think laterally, to consider multiple angles of meaning.

Let’s break down this seemingly simple phrase and uncover the secrets behind its many possible solutions.

Unraveling the Layers of “Smooth Over”

The phrase itself suggests an action designed to make something less rough or unpleasant. But it’s the “in a way” that throws us a curveball. It implies that the act of smoothing is achieved through some indirect, perhaps even subtle, method.

Possible Interpretations:

Directly:

We could be looking for a verb that literally means to “smooth over” a surface. Perhaps something like “polish” or “sand.”

Figuratively:

More often, the clue points towards a figurative smoothing over – a way to make a difficult situation more palatable. This could involve diplomacy, evasion, or even outright deception.

Metaphorical:

The “smoothing over” might be a metaphorical act, one that masks something unpleasant with a veneer of something more desirable. Think of a clever way to disguise a truth, or perhaps a way to make something undesirable appear more appealing.

Strategies for Solving:

Consider the Crosses:

The surrounding letters in your crossword grid are your best allies. Examine the intersecting letters and try to think of words that fit the pattern and could fit into the overall puzzle theme.

Wordplay:

Is there a pun or double entendre at play? Sometimes the solution lies in recognizing a hidden wordplay within the clue itself.

Think Outside the Box:

Don’t be afraid to explore less conventional solutions. Remember, the answer might not be a traditional verb; it could be a noun, an adjective, or even a phrase.

Ready to put your brainpower to the test? Let’s see if you can crack this crossword clue! Good luck, solvers!

Available Answers:

PAVE.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 24 Sep 24, Tuesday