Cracking the Code: “Amber or frankincense, for example“
Ah, the joy of a good crossword puzzle! That satisfying feeling of deciphering a clue, the mental gymnastics involved in piecing together the answer, and the triumphant moment when the pen finally hits the paper. But sometimes, a clue can leave you stumped, staring blankly at the grid, wondering what on earth the setter is hinting at.
Today’s clue, “Amber or frankincense, for example,” falls into that category. At first glance, it seems simple enough – two seemingly unrelated words, thrown together with a “for example.” But the truth is, these are the most deceptive clues, leading solvers down the path of false assumptions and leaving them frustrated when they reach a dead end.
Let’s break down this clue to understand what’s going on beneath the surface. We know that the answer is something that “amber or frankincense, for example” is. This means we need to find a commonality between these two seemingly disparate substances.
Here’s where the “for example” part comes into play. The clue isn’t directly asking for a category that amber and frankincense belong to, it’s giving us two examples of the answer. This means that the answer must be something broader, something that encompasses both amber and frankincense.
So, let’s delve deeper. Amber, a fossilized tree resin, has been prized for its beauty and used for centuries in jewelry and art. Frankincense, a resin extracted from trees, has been used in religious ceremonies and perfumes for millennia.
With this in mind, can you pinpoint the commonality between amber and frankincense?
Take your time, let your brain simmer on this clue. Remember, the answer is likely something that encompasses both amber and frankincense.
Once you think you have the answer, check back here to see if you’ve cracked the code!
Available Answers:
Resin.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Daily Celebrity Crossword – 6/29/24 Smartypants Saturday