“They put runners out.” Ah, the deceptive simplicity of a truly elegant crossword clue. At first glance, it might appear to be a straightforward definition, but seasoned solvers know that such brevity often conceals layers of meaning, linguistic traps, and clever misdirection. Unpacking a crossword clue like this is a fundamental skill in the world of puzzles.
When you encounter this particular crossword clue, the immediate task is to dissect its components. “They” suggests a collective entity, a group, or a defined role. Who are these mysterious “they”? That’s one part of the puzzle. But the true heart of this crossword clue lies in the phrase “put runners out.” This is where the potential for multiple interpretations, and ultimately the path to the solution, resides.
Let’s start with “runners.” In common parlance, a “runner” can mean many things. It could be an athlete, perhaps someone engaged in a race or a marathon. It could refer to a piece of fabric, like a table runner or a hall runner. Sometimes, “runner” describes a messenger or a person who carries illicit goods. Each of these interpretations changes the context significantly, and a good crossword clue will often play on these multiple definitions. However, when combined with “put out,” certain meanings quickly become less plausible. You wouldn’t typically “put out” a marathon runner in the same way you might “put out” a fire. This interaction between the verb and the noun is critical for dissecting this particular crossword clue.
Now, consider the verb phrase “put out.” This, too, is a wonderfully versatile and ambiguous phrase in English. “Put out” can mean to extinguish (as in a fire), to inconvenience or bother someone (“Did I put you out?”), to publish or issue something (like a newspaper), or even to dislocate a limb. Each of these meanings, when combined with “runners,” yields a very different scenario. The cleverness of a well-constructed crossword clue often hinges on taking common words and arranging them to point to a very specific, sometimes idiomatic, meaning that might not be immediately obvious.
The key to unlocking this type of challenging crossword clue often involves stepping back and considering the most common or specific context where the entire phrase “put runners out” makes perfect, unambiguous sense. Is it referring to a general action that could happen anywhere? Or does it refer to a highly specialized scenario, perhaps within a particular field, game, or system? More often than not, with such concise and declarative clues, the latter is the case. They frequently hint at a very specific domain or activity where this exact phrasing is commonplace and holds a particular technical meaning.
When analyzing this intriguing crossword clue, ask yourself: In what established setting or activity would a collective “they” be routinely engaged in “putting runners out” as a recognized, fundamental action? This isn’t about extinguishing a line of joggers on a track or tossing out a collection of hall rugs. It’s about a very particular system or game where “runners” are a defined element, and “being put out” is a recognized, standard outcome or part of the rules.
Many a well-crafted crossword clue leverages specific terminology from a particular field or discipline. This requires the solver to tap into their broader knowledge base, moving beyond the dictionary definition of individual words and into the realm of specialized vocabulary and jargon. It’s a delightful test of general knowledge, wrapped ingeniously in linguistic play. So, as you ponder this satisfying crossword clue, think deeply about the environments where “runners” are a key component and where the action of “putting them out” is a fundamental part of the activity. The answer, when it eventually clicks, will likely feel obvious, a testament to the clue’s cleverness in guiding you without revealing too much. Keep those crosshairs focused on context, and you’ll be well on your way to conquering this rewarding crossword clue.
Available Answers:
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Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0704-25 NY Times Crossword 4 Jul 25, Friday