The Crossword Obsession Continues: Another Puzzle Bites the Dust!
Right then, fellow crossword enthusiasts! Another day, another grid begging to be conquered. The quest for lexical supremacy continues, fueled by caffeine, a healthy dose of frustration, and the sweet satisfaction of finally cracking that one particularly stubborn clue. Today’s victim (or should I say, victor, depending on how you look at it) is a tricky little number that had me scratching my head for a good few minutes.
We’re dealing with a clue structured as follows: “As a result of song for two, opera begins (3,2).”
Right off the bat, we’re presented with a structure hinting at some wordplay magic. The core elements seem to be:
“As a result of”:
This strongly suggests that we’re looking for something derived or created from something else. Think cause and effect, or maybe a transformation. This part is key to understanding how to unpack the entire clue. It isn’t just a definition; it’s setting up a process.
“Song for two”:
This immediately screams musical terminology. It could be a specific type of song, a term relating to harmony, or even a genre known for its duet performances. Our musical knowledge is about to be tested, or at least, we will need to quickly engage Google’s musical knowledge. This is likely the source of the transformation mentioned earlier.
“Opera begins”:
This is the final piece of the puzzle and I think is the most cunning. It’s a classic indicator that we’re looking at either an abbreviation or the first letter of the word “opera.” This is essential for figuring out what form the transformation will take. It is the final key.
Deconstructing the Challenge
The length indicator “(3,2)” tells us the answer is a two-word phrase, the first word being three letters long and the second word being two letters long. This is crucial for narrowing down the possibilities.
So, how do we approach this beast? My initial instinct is to focus on “song for two.” What musical terms fit that description, and could they potentially lead to a three-letter word followed by the first letter of “opera”?
Let’s explore some musical avenues:
Duet:
A simple and obvious starting point. But does a musical duet lead to a three-letter and a two-letter solution when combined with the beginning of “opera”?
Harmony:
Another possibility. Thinking about harmonious relationships in music, could it be translated into a crossword friendly answer?
Aria (for two):
While arias are typically solo performances, they can sometimes be part of a duet. Might be worth investigating whether there are terms for duets between arias that could be relevant.
Specific Musical Forms:
Could we be looking at a specific musical form that often involves two singers? Something like a canon or a fugue, adapted for a duet?
The “as a result of” part keeps nagging at me. It isn’t just about finding a musical term for a duet; it’s about what happens
because
of that duet that ends up creating the final answer. The transformation is the key.
The final part, “opera begins”, seems to confirm we need to isolate the first letter of the word “opera” for our answer. Therefore, we will need to work backwards from that assumption.
This clue requires careful consideration of musical terms, a strong grasp of abbreviation conventions in crosswords, and a creative understanding of wordplay. Happy solving, and may the crossword gods be ever in your favor!
Available Answers:
DUETO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 7 July 2025