Few types of challenges get the crossword solver’s gears turning quite like the “X, Y, et al.?” variety. These
crossword clues
are a masterclass in elegant misdirection, offering concrete examples while demanding a leap to the abstract. Today, we’re diving into one such intriguing puzzle: ‘Donuts, bagels, et al.?‘
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem straightforward. You see two universally beloved, carb-laden delights, and your mind immediately starts cataloging their shared traits. But the real art of solving here lies in resisting the urge to jump to the first, most obvious conclusion and instead, meticulously dissecting what “et al.” truly implies. It’s not just about what donuts and bagels
are
, but what
else
could comfortably join their ranks under a single, encompassing banner.
Consider the individual components of this
crossword clue
. Donuts – often sweet, sometimes savory, typically fried or baked, and a breakfast or snack staple. Bagels – chewy, dense, usually boiled then baked, and a morning favorite, often paired with cream cheese. They share a common heritage in dough and baking (or frying), but their textures, preparations, and typical accompaniments can differ. This divergence is exactly what prevents a simple, surface-level answer from fitting the bill for a great
crossword clue
.
The “et al.” is your crucial guide. It signals a request for a broader category, a classification that extends beyond just these two examples. If the answer were too specific to just donuts and bagels, the “et al.” would be superfluous, even misleading. Instead, it invites you to think about what other items, perhaps equally popular or culturally significant, could comfortably sit alongside them. What kind of items populate the same shelves in a bakery? What common role do they play in our daily routines? What fundamental ingredients or preparation methods connect them all?
When approaching such a
crossword clue
, it’s helpful to brainstorm a few more items that might fit the bill. Would muffins fit? Croissants? Scones? Breads? Each additional item you consider helps to refine your understanding of the common denominator. Are we looking at breakfast items exclusively? Baked goods? Things with holes? (A common red herring!) The best
crossword clue
answers are those that are broad enough to encompass all the given examples and many more, yet specific enough to be a meaningful classification.
This specific
crossword clue
wants you to zoom out from the individual characteristics of a donut or a bagel and look at the bigger picture. What overarching theme unites them? Think about the context in which you typically encounter these items. The establishments that sell them, the time of day they’re most often consumed, their fundamental composition. The magic of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is that it forces you to think laterally, to consider not just the dictionary definition but the cultural context and common usage of words.
So, when faced with ‘Donuts, bagels, et al.?‘, take a moment. Don’t just list shared physical attributes. Instead, consider the broader culinary landscape. What general heading would you find these items listed under in a menu, a cookbook, or a grocery store aisle? The beauty of solving this type of
crossword clue
lies in the journey of classification, finding that perfect, elegant word that ties everything together. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
HOLEFOODS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Katherine Baicker & Laura Dershewitz / Ed. Patti Varol