Cracking the “Touchdown Rundown, Say” Crossword Clue
Every crossword enthusiast knows that feeling: you’re breezing through the grid, the ink is flowing, and then you hit a wall. You encounter a clue that feels just out of reach—one that plays with language in a way that makes you tilt your head. Today, that sticking point for many is the
“Touchdown rundown, say” crossword clue
.
On the surface, this clue seems to point directly toward the gridiron. When we hear “touchdown,” our brains immediately go to the NFL, cheering crowds, and the frantic energy of a Sunday afternoon. However, the beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is its ability to lead you down one path while the answer lies down another.
To solve this specific puzzle piece, we have to look at the phrasing. The word “rundown” suggests a summary, a brief report, or a collection of facts. When combined with “touchdown,” you might think of a highlight reel or a post-game analysis. But there’s a crucial addition at the end: the word “say.”
In the world of cryptic and standard crosswords, “say” is often a major indicator. It tells the solver that the preceding phrase is merely an example of the answer, rather than a direct definition. This means “Touchdown rundown” is just one version of what the answer represents.
Deconstructing the Clue
When you are staring at the white squares, waiting for inspiration to strike, it helps to break the
crossword clue
into its component parts.
1.
Touchdown:
While this can mean a six-point score in football, in a broader sense, it refers to an arrival or a landing. Think about an airplane touching down on a runway.
2.
Rundown:
This implies a condensed version of events. If you are giving someone a rundown, you are providing the essential details without the fluff.
3.
Say:
As mentioned, this flags the clue as an example. It broadens the scope of your search.
If you combine “arrival” and “summary,” you start to see the shape of the word. The setter is looking for a general term for a briefing or a recap that could apply to a sports event, a flight landing, or even a business meeting.
Why This Clue is Tricky
The “Touchdown rundown, say“
crossword clue
is a classic example of misdirection. By using a sports-heavy term like “touchdown,” the constructor is hoping you’ll spend your time looking for four-letter football terms or abbreviations for statistics.
If you find yourself stuck, the best strategy is always to look at the intersecting words. Often, a “rundown” in this context is a common five-letter or four-letter word that appears frequently in puzzles. It’s a versatile word used to describe a condensed account of any event.
Solving Strategy
When tackling this
crossword clue
, ask yourself: what do we call a summary that happens after an event? Whether it’s a play-by-play or a general overview, the answer is a staple of journalism and broadcasting.
If you have a couple of crossing letters—perhaps a ‘P’ or an ‘R’—the answer might suddenly jump out at you. Remember, the grid is a conversation between you and the constructor. They’ve given you the “Touchdown rundown” as a hint, but the answer itself is much more universal.
Keep your eyes on the letters you’ve already filled in. If you’re still hunting for the solution, think of synonyms for “summary” or “review” that fit the letter count. You’ll find that once you stop thinking about the football field and start thinking about the newsroom, the answer to this
crossword clue
will reveal itself in no time. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
RECAP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Saw Stars By Jake Halperin