Cracking the Code: Unraveling the Cryptic Clue “Cues for Applause”
Hey crossword fanatics! This week’s puzzle threw me a real curveball with the clue “Cues for Applause.” A seemingly straightforward clue, it initially feels deceptively simple. But as any seasoned solver knows, the beauty (and frustration!) of cryptic crosswords lies in their ability to mask the answer with elegant misdirection.
This clue, however, plays with a different kind of wordplay. It doesn’t rely on anagrams, hidden words, or reversals in the typical cryptic fashion. Instead, it hinges on a more subtle form of association – understanding the context and implication of the words “cues” and “applause.”
Think laterally. What kind of “cues” might elicit applause? Consider the various scenarios where applause is given. Is it related to performance? To achievement? To something specific that triggers a collective show of appreciation from an audience?
Remember to consider the word’s multiple meanings. “Cues” can refer to signals, prompts, hints, or even individual lines of dialogue in a play. The clue itself invites you to think about these different possibilities and how they connect to the concept of applause.
Don’t be afraid to brainstorm! Write down any words that come to mind when you think about “cues” and “applause” in connection with each other. This process of free association can often unlock the hidden meaning within a cryptic clue.
This is where the true challenge lies. The clue is designed to make you consider multiple avenues before converging on the correct answer. The elegance of the clue rests in its ability to lead you down a garden path of plausible, yet ultimately incorrect, solutions, before finally revealing the intended word.
So, put on your thinking caps, crossword champions! Let’s see if you can crack this seemingly simple yet surprisingly complex clue. Good luck, and let me know your progress in the comments below! I can’t wait to see your solutions and discuss the intricacies of this clever cryptic clue. Happy solving!
Keywords:
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Available Answers:
TA-DAS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 28 Dec 24, Saturday