That Boastful Taunt: Decoding This Week’s Crossword Puzzle
Alright, puzzle fiends! Another week, another grid, another glorious chance to wrack our brains and emerge victorious (or at least moderately satisfied). This week’s offering presented a particularly interesting theme, centered around the clue: “Snarky response to a boast.” Immediately, the playful nature of this puzzle shone through, promising a delightful mix of wit and wordplay.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. As astute solvers, we know to pay close attention to those starred clues. The puzzle cryptically hints at a connection: “…and what can be said about the ends of the answers to the starred clues?” Ah, the hunt is on!
Decoding the Boast:
“Snarky response to a boast” – let’s dissect this. Boasts are inherently arrogant, self-aggrandizing declarations. The perfect response, therefore, is something that deflates that ego, something witty and perhaps a little biting. Think along the lines of a put-down, a retort, or a sarcastic quip that puts the boaster in their place.
This clue also sets the tone for the rest of the puzzle. We can expect a certain level of cleverness and wordplay throughout. The constructor is clearly having fun, and that infectious energy should translate into a stimulating solving experience for us.
Hunting for the Thematic Link:
Now, onto the starred clues. Identifying them is, of course, the first step. Once you’ve populated the grid with some entries, locating those asterisks becomes a whole lot easier. The real challenge lies in figuring out what connects the
ends
of those specific answers.
Here are a few strategies to employ when faced with this type of thematic puzzle:
Look for Common Suffixes:
Do the starred answers share a particular ending or suffix? Are they all nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs ending in the same way?
Consider Rhyming:
Does the end of each answer rhyme with a particular word or phrase? Could this be a pun-based theme?
Analyze the Meaning:
Do the endings of the answers, when considered separately, contribute to a larger meaning or concept? This is where a little lateral thinking comes in handy.
Think Outside the Box:
Sometimes, the connection is less obvious. It might involve a homophone, a hidden word, or even a visual representation of the letters themselves.
Solving with Intention:
As you fill in the grid, keep the theme in mind. Pay extra attention to the starred clues and their corresponding answers. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different possibilities, and see if they fit both the clue and the overall thematic puzzle.
Ultimately, the beauty of a well-constructed crossword lies in the “aha!” moment. That satisfying click when you finally understand the theme and see how all the pieces fit together. Happy Solving! And, as always, let me know your thoughts on this week’s puzzle in the comments below! How did you fare? And what was your favorite clue?
Available Answers:
ISNTTHATSPECIAL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Monday’s Daily By Katherine Simonson / Ed. Patti Varol