Bang On: Wrestling with Today’s Crossword Clue
Another day, another crossword! And today’s grid presented a real head-scratcher (pun intended, apologies!). The clue that kept me humming was:
“Across-the-forehead hairstyle.”
Now, my brain immediately conjured up images. I pictured vintage Hollywood glamour, edgy punk rock aesthetics, and even that slightly awkward phase most of us go through in middle school. The sheer versatility of hairstyles that cover the forehead is, frankly, astounding.
The thing about this clue is that it’s deceptively simple. It describes the
location
of the hairstyle, not the
style
itself. This opens up a world of possibilities and makes filling those little squares a real challenge.
Think about it. What kinds of hairstyles
live
across the forehead? Do we want something classic? Modern? High-fashion? A little bit quirky, perhaps? The grid, of course, will offer some hints, but even then, it’s a process of elimination and a hefty dose of vocabulary recall.
The beauty (again, pun intended!) of this clue is that it taps into a universally relatable experience. We’ve all dealt with forehead hairstyles in some way, shape, or form. Whether we’ve rocked them ourselves, admired them on others, or simply endured the awkward grow-out phase, we understand the fundamental concept.
This connection to shared experience is what makes crosswords so engaging. They’re not just about obscure facts and trivia. They’re about recognizing patterns, drawing connections, and ultimately, solving a puzzle using our collective knowledge.
So, where do we begin with this particular “across-the-forehead hairstyle” clue?
First, we need to consider the length of the answer. The number of boxes provided will drastically narrow down the possibilities. A short answer suggests a simple, straightforward term, while a longer answer opens the door for more descriptive or specific styles.
Next, the intersecting letters are our best friends. Use those already filled-in squares to your advantage. They can often provide crucial clues, eliminating possibilities and pointing you in the right direction.
Think about variations on a theme. Could the answer be plural? Could it be a specific type of forehead-covering hairstyle, or a more general term?
And finally, don’t be afraid to think outside the box (another pun, I promise I’ll stop…eventually!). Sometimes the most obvious answer isn’t the correct one. Consider less common terms or synonyms for the general concept.
Solving crosswords is a journey of discovery. It’s about embracing the challenge, exercising your brain, and experiencing that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment when the final piece of the puzzle falls into place. This “across-the-forehead hairstyle” clue is no exception. It’s a fun and engaging exercise in vocabulary, pattern recognition, and creative thinking. Good luck and happy solving!
Available Answers:
BANGS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Monday’s Daily By Doug Peterson / Ed. Patti Varol