Around About: A Whirlwind Tour of Circular Crossword Clues
Welcome, fellow puzzle enthusiasts, to another exploration of the delightfully devious world of crossword clues! Today, we’re tackling a seemingly simple phrase: “Around about.” It appears innocuous enough, right? Just two common words, seemingly pointing towards direction or perhaps approximation. Don’t be fooled! The beauty of the crossword lies in its ability to twist even the most familiar phrases into cunning conundrums.
“Around about” in the crossword context rarely means what it does in everyday conversation. Forget geographical routes or vague estimates. This clue demands a more abstract, often metaphorical, understanding. Think about what the words themselves conjure: circularity, indirectness, encompassing, and potentially, even deception.
Let’s unpack some potential avenues of thought when confronted with this perplexing pair of words.
Circularity and Enclosure:
One common interpretation of “around about” focuses on the idea of being enclosed or surrounded. Consider answers that denote circles, spheres, or anything that physically or figuratively contains something else. Think of the layers within an onion, the perimeter of a park, or even the political sphere that encapsulates a government. The clue might be hinting at something that is “around” something else, implying a concentric relationship.
Indirectness and Circumlocution:
Alternatively, “around about” can signify an indirect route, a winding path, or a way of speaking that avoids getting directly to the point. Answers related to detours, tangents, and euphemisms often fit the bill. Imagine a politician’s carefully crafted response, or a storyteller weaving a tale with numerous digressions. The clue may be prompting you to think about how something is communicated or achieved in a roundabout, less direct fashion.
Approximation and Estimates:
While we discouraged a literal interpretation earlier, the sense of “about” does hint at approximation. However, in a crossword, this isn’t likely to be a straightforward number. Instead, consider answers that represent guesses, estimations, or things that are “in the vicinity” of a specific value. Maybe it’s a “guesstimate,” a “ballpark figure,” or even a word that describes a general area rather than a precise location.
Deceptive Appearance:
Don’t underestimate the possibility of a trick answer! Crossword setters are notorious for their clever wordplay, and “around about” could be a misdirection designed to lead you down the wrong path entirely. Consider homophones (words that sound alike but have different meanings), or answers that play on the individual words “around” and “about” in unexpected ways. Is there a famous landmark with “around” in the name? Is there a synonym for “about” that is also a common crossword answer?
Thinking Outside the Box:
Finally, remember that context is key. The intersecting letters from other solved clues can provide valuable hints, narrowing down the possibilities and revealing the true nature of the solution. Pay attention to the length of the answer as well. A short answer will likely require a more concise and literal interpretation, while a longer answer might allow for a more abstract or figurative solution.
Ultimately, solving a crossword is a process of deduction, lateral thinking, and a little bit of luck. “Around about” presents a challenge, but with a systematic approach and a willingness to explore different interpretations, you’ll be well on your way to cracking this clue. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
CIRCA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Susan Gelfand / Ed. Patti Varol