There are some crossword clues that just make you pause, a delightful wrinkle in the brain’s smooth operation. And then there are clues that, like a well-timed pun, make you grin once you’ve cracked them. Today, we’re diving into one such gem: the elusive, yet utterly brilliant,
crossword clue
‘Traffic signals?‘.
At first glance, your mind might go straight to the literal. Red. Amber. Green. Perhaps even the hand gestures a police officer might make. But the question mark at the end of this particular
crossword clue
is our first, well,
signal
that something more playful is afoot. This isn’t just about what’s physically present at an intersection. This is about language, about double meanings, and about the delightful misdirection that makes a good crossword truly sing.
When faced with a
crossword clue
like this, the veteran solver knows to peel back the layers. ‘Traffic’ – is it referring strictly to vehicles, or could it be a ‘traffic’ of ideas, information, or even people? And ‘signals’ – yes, literal light signals are one thing, but what other kinds of ‘signals’ exist? What does traffic
do
that could be interpreted as a ‘signal’ in a broader sense? This is where the detective work begins, often leading down several delightful rabbit holes before landing on the perfect fit.
The beauty of a well-crafted cryptic
crossword clue
lies in its ability to offer seemingly obvious solutions, only to reveal a deeper, more satisfying truth. For ‘Traffic signals?‘, the temptation to list types of lights is strong. But the cleverness here resides in finding a phrase or concept that perfectly encapsulates both ‘traffic’ and ‘signals’ in an entirely unexpected, yet utterly logical, way. It demands a shift in perspective, a playful twist of words that transforms the mundane into the ingenious.
Think about the
essence
of traffic. What does it create? What does it sometimes
lack
? What sounds or movements are associated with it, beyond the simple stop-and-go? The
crossword clue
invites us to consider these broader implications, to look beyond the immediate visual and delve into the metaphorical. It’s not just about observation; it’s about interpretation, about finding the hidden connection that links these two seemingly straightforward words in a surprising new context.
This type of wordplay is a cornerstone of many a satisfying
crossword clue
. It’s the kind that might have you staring blankly for a minute, then suddenly, the pieces click. You might even kick yourself for not seeing it sooner! That’s the hallmark of a truly great clue – challenging enough to make you think, but ultimately fair in its construction, rewarding your lateral thinking with an ‘aha!’ moment. It’s a subtle dance between the obvious and the obscure, orchestrated by the cleverness of the setter.
So, as you ponder this particular
crossword clue
, consider the double-edged sword of ‘signals.’ What other ‘signals’ might traffic be sending, or perhaps,
receiving
? What happens
because
of traffic that could be described as a signal? The possibilities, when you allow your mind to wander beyond the literal, are expansive and often amusing. It’s a testament to the richness of language and the endless creativity of crossword constructors.
For those who delight in untangling verbal knots, ‘Traffic signals?‘ is a superb example of how a simple phrase can become a profound mental workout. It’s not just about filling in squares; it’s about appreciating the artistry behind the puzzle. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the solution and dissect the genius behind this fantastic
crossword clue
in the full post!
Available Answers:
HORNS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Betsy Ochester & Andrew Gutelle / Ed. Patti Varol