The daily ritual: coffee brewed, a moment of quiet anticipation, and then, the satisfying rustle of newsprint or the crisp tap of the screen as a new puzzle unfolds. For any dedicated solver, the first glance over the grid is like meeting an old friend, but it’s the clues themselves that truly ignite the spark. Some are delightfully straightforward, others maddeningly obtuse. And then there are the ones that drop you right into a specific locale, demanding a deeper dive into regional esoterica. This week, one particular entry truly shone as a masterclass in this very art: the intriguing
“22-Across variation in Ontario?“
Oh, the beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue that forces you to think beyond the obvious! This wasn’t just a simple synonym hunt; it was a geographical expedition wrapped in wordplay. The moment I saw this particular crossword clue, I knew I was in for a treat. The challenge wasn’t just in deciphering the “variation” but specifically anchoring it to “Ontario.” What kind of variation could be so distinctively tied to Canada’s most populous province?
My initial thoughts, as is often the case with a regional crossword clue, went to the usual suspects. Could it be a specific type of plant or animal found predominantly there? Perhaps a local dialect or slang term for something common elsewhere? Or even a unique culinary item that holds a slightly different form or name within Ontario’s borders compared to, say, the Maritimes or the Prairies? The possibilities, when you start to brainstorm, are vast, which is precisely what makes tackling a crossword clue of this nature so engaging.
The keyword here, of course, is “variation.” This immediately signals that the answer isn’t the standard, generic term for something, but rather a specific, localized take on it. It’s not just a “tree”; it’s
the Ontario tree
. It’s not just “bread”; it’s
the Ontario bread variation
. This nuance elevates a good crossword clue to a truly great one, demanding not just vocabulary recall but a dash of cultural and geographical awareness.
Approaching such a specific crossword clue requires a multi-pronged strategy. First, one considers the overall theme of the puzzle, if any. Sometimes, a recurring motif can offer a helpful nudge. Next, you look for crossing letters. Often, just one or two confirmed letters from intersecting down or across clues can unlock a previously impenetrable mystery. If 22-Across had an “E” as its third letter and an “N” as its fifth, your brain immediately starts sifting through words that fit that pattern, narrowing down the field considerably.
Without those crucial crossing letters, though, the mind is left to wander the digital highways and byways of Ontario, searching for anything that fits the “variation” brief. I found myself thinking about everything from local sports team chants to the specific geological formations of the Niagara Escarpment, from historical events with unique provincial interpretations to specific cultural festivals that might have their own unique terminology. The more abstract the concept, the trickier the crossword clue becomes, but also, paradoxically, the more satisfying the eventual solve.
This specific “22-Across variation in Ontario?” crossword clue wasn’t just a test of knowledge; it was an invitation to explore. It reminded me that solving crossword clues isn’t just about filling in boxes; it’s about making connections, learning new things, and appreciating the cleverness of the clue setters who craft these daily intellectual workouts. It’s the kind of crossword clue that lingers, prompting you to ponder the sheer diversity of regional peculiarities that exist, even within a single country.
So, for those who grappled with this particular crossword clue, or any similarly challenging one, take a moment to appreciate the journey it took you on. The thrill isn’t just in the final word, but in the delightful mental gymnastics required to get there. What were your initial guesses for this elusive “22-Across variation in Ontario?” Share your own experiences with tricky regional crossword clues in the comments below!
Available Answers:
HANGLOOSECANADAGOOSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Kaye Brown / Ed. Patti Varol