Thinking Outside the Box (And Inside a Grid): Cracking a Classic Crossword Clue
Einstein knew a thing or two about thinking, and often about getting from point A to point B. His famous declaration about imagination, and how it can take you everywhere, is now a common saying – and the likely answer to the crossword clue we’re tackling today: “___ will get you from A to B. Imagination can take you everywhere” (statement attributed to Einstein).
Crossword clues, particularly those quoting famous figures, often rely on understanding the underlying meaning, not just a direct translation. So, what
thing
is Einstein suggesting gets you from one place to another? It’s not quantum physics, despite his contributions to that field (although, arguably,
that
could eventually take you everywhere!).
We need to consider the
practical
. Einstein was a brilliant theoretician, but he also lived in the real world. Getting from A to B in his time (and ours!) required something quite tangible.
Let’s break down the clue. “___ will get you from A to B.” What does this mean? It suggests something functional, something that serves a purpose. It implies a means of progression, a method of traversing a distance, be it physical or metaphorical. What allows us to physically travel? Think of different modes of transport.
The second half of the quote, “Imagination can take you everywhere,” is there to provide a contrast. It highlights the limitations of the first “thing.” While it can get you from one
defined
point to another, it lacks the boundlessness and freedom of the human mind. So, what does this contrast tell us? It hints that the answer is grounded in reality, not some abstract concept.
Think about the type of person who is likely to work on a crossword puzzle, and what they may associate with travel. Is it a literal means of locomotion? Is it some figurative process of deduction? Is it the name of a philosophical concept that would fit the clue? The second half of the phrase tells us it is NOT imagination. It gets you ‘from A to B’ and implies a restriction.
Consider the word count. How many letters are in the answer? That’s critical information to help narrow down the possibilities. (You’ll have to discover that for yourself!)
Finally, remember the era in which Einstein lived. What technologies were prevalent during his lifetime? What would he have likely used to get from one place to another?
By analyzing the clue, its structure, and the context provided by the famous quote, you’ll be well on your way to filling in that blank and conquering this classic crossword challenge. Good luck! Now, back to the puzzle…
Available Answers:
LOGIC.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0729-25 NY Times Crossword 29 Jul 25, Tuesday