Already Watched That: A Crucial Clue to Conquer
Stuck on the crossword puzzle? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there, staring blankly at a grid, a single clue holding us hostage. Today, we’re dissecting a particularly tricky one: “Already watched that.”
This seemingly simple phrase can be deceptively complex, demanding a bit of lateral thinking to crack. The key to success often lies in understanding the subtle nuances of crossword clues. Let’s break down the potential avenues of thought:
Consider the Obvious (and Then Discard It):
Our initial instinct might lead us down a literal path. “Already watched that” speaks of television, film, or some other visual media that has been consumed. We might start racking our brains for titles of movies or TV shows that suggest repetition or prior viewing. However, crossword constructors rarely go for the most straightforward solution. Thinking too literally can often lead you astray.
Look for Synonyms and Related Concepts:
Crosswords love synonyms. Think beyond “watched” itself. What other words mean to view, see, or witness? Perhaps something related to consuming media. Consider verbs like
absorbed
,
ingested
,
viewed
,
caught
, or even more abstract concepts like
experienced
or
digested
.
Think About Tense and Time:
The clue is “Already watched that,” emphasizing that the viewing has
already
happened. This eliminates present tense verbs. Focus on past participles or past tense forms. Are there words or phrases that clearly indicate a completed action?
Examine the Length of the Answer:
The number of spaces in the crossword grid is paramount. Knowing the length of the answer immediately narrows down the possibilities. A short answer of three or four letters will require a drastically different approach than a longer one of eight or more.
Consider Wordplay and Cryptic Clues:
Crossword clues frequently employ wordplay. This could involve puns, anagrams, hidden words, or other forms of linguistic trickery. Is there a double meaning inherent in the clue? Could “Already watched that” be an indirect reference to something entirely different? Look for subtle hints or unusual phrasing that might indicate a more complex solution. Maybe it refers to something over exposed, common or well known?
Focus on Common Fillers and Crosswordese:
Experienced crossword solvers develop a sense for common fill words – frequently used answers that appear in puzzles time and again. These often include abbreviations, foreign words, or obscure terms that seem to exist solely for crossword purposes. While unlikely to be the
primary
answer, these fillers can sometimes provide a crucial letter or two that helps unlock the entire clue.
Use Cross-References Wisely:
Don’t underestimate the power of surrounding clues. Intersecting answers can provide valuable letters that significantly narrow down the possibilities. Even a single confirmed letter can drastically reduce the number of potential solutions.
Think Outside the Box (But Not
Too
Far):
While creativity is essential, remember that crossword answers still need to be verifiable and relatively common knowledge. Avoid obscure or hyper-specific solutions that only a niche audience would understand. The answer should be recognizable to a reasonably well-informed solver.
Available Answers:
SAWIT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Set The Table By Matt Revis