There are some
crossword clue
challenges that simply leap off the page, not because they’re overtly obscure, but because they brilliantly straddle the line between the literal and the metaphorical. These are the clues that demand a momentary pause, a shift in thinking, and often, a little grin of appreciation once the penny finally drops. Today’s focus falls squarely on one such gem: “A very high price, so to speak.”
At first glance, this
crossword clue
seems straightforward. “A very high price” conjures images of exorbitant costs, luxury goods, perhaps a significant financial outlay. We might immediately think of words like ‘expensive,’ ‘costly,’ ‘premium,’ or phrases hinting at ‘breaking the bank.’ But then comes that elegant, game-changing qualifier: “so to speak.”
That innocuous little phrase, “so to speak,” is a master key in the world of crosswords. It’s the constructor’s subtle wink, nudging us away from the literal interpretation and into the realm of idiom, metaphor, or figurative language. It tells us that while the surface meaning points to monetary value, the true answer isn’t about dollars and cents at all. Instead, it’s about the
concept
of a “very high price” in a non-financial context. This is where the beauty and the brain-teasing power of this particular
crossword clue
truly shine.
Deconstructing such a
crossword clue
requires us to consider what other things might carry a “price” that isn’t transactional. What abstract concepts demand a significant cost? Think about sacrifice, consequence, effort, or even the emotional toll of certain situations. What phrases or idiomatic expressions convey a sense of paying dearly, or of a heavy personal cost, without involving actual money? The “so to speak” is crucial; it’s an invitation to explore the broader implications and deeper meanings of “price.”
This kind of
crossword clue
often tests our familiarity with common turns of phrase. Is there an idiom that fits perfectly? Is there a well-known expression that captures the essence of a significant, non-monetary burden or cost? The skill here isn’t just knowing definitions, but understanding the nuanced ways language is used, especially in its more colourful and evocative forms. It’s about recognizing when a phrase is acting as a signal, guiding us towards a more imaginative interpretation.
When faced with a
crossword clue
like “A very high price, so to speak,” many solvers start by brainstorming synonyms for “high price” and then filter them through the lens of “so to speak.” This often leads to considering words related to consequences, penalties, or something that is challenging to achieve or endure. It’s an exercise in lateral thinking, moving from the concrete to the abstract, from the obvious to the implied. The magic of these clues is in their ability to make you feel incredibly clever once you connect the dots.
So, set aside the literal price tags for a moment. Instead, ponder what might be “paid” in a metaphorical sense that could be considered “very high.” What non-tangible assets are sometimes given up, or what profound effects are experienced, that align with the idea of a steep cost? This deceptively simple
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how constructors stretch our minds, asking us to look beyond the obvious and embrace the delightful ambiguities of language. Get ready to flex those semantic muscles!
Available Answers:
TOP DOLLAR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1118-25 NY Times Crossword 18 Nov 25, Tuesday