Round and Round We Go: Unpacking a Tricky Crossword Clue
The crossword puzzle. A daily mental workout, a linguistic labyrinth, and occasionally, a source of delightful frustration. Today, we’re diving deep into a particularly intriguing clue: “Goes around, in a way.”
This seemingly simple phrase holds a surprising number of potential interpretations. The beauty (and the challenge) of crossword clues lies in their layered meanings. They often exploit synonyms, homophones, and even common figures of speech. “Goes around” is no exception.
Firstly, let’s consider the literal. “Goes around” can imply movement in a circular path. Think of a planet orbiting a sun, a race car circling a track, or even gossip spreading through a group. In each of these cases, something is literally “going around.” This is a good place to start but don’t stop there.
But what about the “in a way” qualifier? This little addendum is crucial. It signals that we’re not dealing with a straightforward definition. It suggests a more figurative or nuanced interpretation. This might point us towards an idiom or a less obvious synonym for movement.
Consider the possibility of avoidance. If someone “goes around” a problem, they’re not tackling it head-on; they’re finding a workaround. This could be a viable avenue for exploration. The “way” in which they go around something might provide a hint to the specific answer sought by the puzzle creator.
Another avenue to explore is distribution. Think of the phrase, “goes around the table”. In this instance, the clue is using “goes around” to refer to the dispersal of something like a plate of hors d’oeuvres being sent from guest to guest at a dinner.
Synonyms for “goes around” can unlock new trains of thought. “Circulates,” “revolves,” “orbits,” and “bypasses” each suggest different contexts and associations. Play with these words in your mind, considering their various applications.
The surrounding clues are also crucial to cracking this enigma. Take a close look at the intersecting words. Do they offer any thematic connections? Does the number of letters in the answer space narrow down the possibilities? Every piece of information is a potential stepping stone to the solution.
When faced with a tricky clue like this, it’s helpful to break it down into its component parts and consider each one individually. What does “goes” imply? What does “around” signify? And how does “in a way” modify the overall meaning?
The key is to keep an open mind, explore multiple interpretations, and leverage all the available information within the puzzle. Crossword solving is a game of deduction, and every clue, no matter how perplexing, holds the potential to be unlocked with careful analysis and a little bit of creative thinking. So, embrace the challenge, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
LAPS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0726-25 NY Times Crossword 26 Jul 25, Saturday