Welcome back, puzzle pals! Today, we’re zeroing in on a particularly delightful bit of wordplay that popped up in a recent daily grid. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you pause, smile, and then spend a good ten minutes staring at the ceiling, waiting for that “aha!” moment to strike. And strike it will, because this one is truly clever.
The clue in question is:
“22-Across variation in a birdcage?“
Now, if you’re like me, your initial thought when you see a
crossword clue
that references another number is to immediately jump to that referenced square. “22-Across” is your starting point, your foundation. This tells us that the answer to
this
specific
crossword clue
isn’t a standalone word from scratch, but rather a playful twist on whatever 22-Across reveals. It’s a classic constructor’s trick, guiding you through the grid, creating a mini-mystery within the larger puzzle. It’s a great way to link ideas and sometimes even form a larger theme. So, before you do anything else, make sure you’ve got 22-Across confidently filled in. That’s your Rosetta Stone for deciphering this riddle.
Once you have that foundational word, the real fun begins. The rest of the
crossword clue
gives us the parameters for the “variation.” “Variation” itself is a broad term in crosswords. It could mean changing a letter, adding a letter, dropping a letter, or even a phonetic alteration – a homophone, perhaps? Cryptic crosswords especially love these kinds of auditory puns. Here, the context provided by “in a birdcage?” is absolutely crucial. This isn’t just a random change; it’s a change that makes sense
within the confines of a birdcage
.
Think about what happens, or what you might find, or even what sounds you might hear, in a birdcage. Is it something that changes the word to describe an action? A sound? An object? The setting is not just decorative; it’s integral to unlocking the wordplay. It forces you to think laterally, to consider not just definitions but associations and sensory experiences. This type of
crossword clue
requires you to step outside the literal and embrace the imaginative.
When tackling a challenging
crossword clue
like this, my process often involves:
1.
Identify the core word:
In this case, 22-Across.
2.
Brainstorm variations:
If 22-Across was, say, “CAT,” what are some ways you can vary it? “COT”? “CUT”? “KNOT”?
3.
Apply the context:
Now, which of those variations makes sense
in a birdcage
? Would a “COT” be in a birdcage? Probably not. A “CUT”? Unlikely. But what about something that sounds like it, or relates to an activity or feature associated with birds? This is where the magic happens.
4.
Consider all angles:
Does the
crossword clue
suggest a pun? A charade (where parts of the word are clued separately)? A double meaning?
This particular “22-Across variation in a birdcage?“
crossword clue
is a brilliant example of how constructors blend straightforward definition with clever wordplay and thematic elements. It’s concise, yet packed with layers of meaning. It pushes you to think beyond the obvious, rewarding that moment of insight when all the pieces click into place. It’s a testament to the artistry of good
crossword clue
construction.
So, if you’ve been pondering this one, go back to 22-Across, take a deep breath, and let your mind wander into the world of feathered friends and their habitats. The answer is delightfully apt once you see it!
Happy solving, and keep those brain cells buzzing!
Available Answers:
BESWEETPARAKEET.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Kaye Brown / Ed. Patti Varol