Playing it Safe: A Crossword Conundrum
The crossword puzzle. A daily ritual for some, a sporadic brain teaser for others, and a constant companion for those who relish the mental gymnastics involved in deciphering cryptic clues and filling in the blanks. Today, we’re tackling a particularly interesting clue: “__ on the side of caution.”
This type of clue is a classic example of the cleverness often found in crossword puzzles. It relies on understanding common phrases and idioms, forcing you to think beyond the literal meaning of the words presented. The challenge lies in recognizing the underlying concept and then finding the single word that fits both the definition and the available space in the grid.
The key here is “on the side of caution.” What does it
mean
to err on the side of caution? It suggests prioritizing safety and minimizing risk, even if it means potentially missing out on something. It implies a preference for avoiding potential problems, a deliberate choice to be more careful than strictly necessary.
Consider the various scenarios where someone might “err on the side of caution.” Perhaps they’re making an investment decision, carefully researching every potential downside before committing any money. Maybe they’re planning a hiking trip, meticulously checking weather forecasts and packing extra supplies “just in case.” Or possibly, they’re navigating a tricky social situation, carefully choosing their words to avoid causing offense.
In all these situations, the underlying principle remains the same: a preference for safety and a willingness to sacrifice potential gains in order to minimize the risk of something negative occurring.
Now, let’s think about synonyms for this concept. What single word encapsulates the idea of being overly cautious or playing it safe?
Think about verbs. What action describes the act of prioritizing safety? What words are associated with risk aversion? Are there any idioms or well-known phrases that contain a word synonymous with caution or safety?
Remember to consider the length of the answer, as this will be dictated by the crossword grid itself. This constraint can be both helpful and frustrating. It narrows down the possibilities but can also lead you down blind alleys if you fixate on a word that’s the wrong length.
Also, pay attention to any intersecting letters you might already have in place. These can be invaluable in confirming or eliminating potential answers. Are there any letters you are sure of? How many letters does the solution have? Are the first few letters of other solutions near this one already in place?
Sometimes, stepping away from the clue for a few minutes can be beneficial. A fresh perspective can often unlock a solution that seemed elusive before. Try working on other clues in the puzzle and then returning to this one later. The subconscious mind often works on problems even when we’re not actively thinking about them.
Keep playing with these ideas. Think of common phrases, related concepts, and synonyms for being careful. The answer is hidden within this network of associations.
Good luck and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
ERR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Rafael Musa & Rebecca Goldstein / Ed. Patti Varol
Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Daniel Hrynick / Ed. Patti Varol