Some crossword clues just
stick
with you. They lodge themselves in your brain, demanding attention even when you’re not actively solving. ‘Attempted to phone again‘ is precisely one of those. It’s a prime example of a crossword clue that looks deceptively simple on the surface, yet hides layers of clever misdirection and brilliant wordplay beneath.
Every seasoned solver knows the feeling: encountering a crossword clue that immediately piques curiosity, a phrase that feels pregnant with possibility but refuses to give up its secret without a fight. This particular crossword clue, ‘Attempted to phone again,’ perfectly encapsulates that delicious struggle. Is it a straightforward definition? A pun? A cryptic instruction cloaked in plain English? The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to present multiple paths, only one of which leads to the elusive answer.
The phrase itself is intriguing. ‘Attempted to phone again.’ It conjures images, hints at narrative. The word ‘attempted’ suggests effort, perhaps prior failure, or a renewed try. ‘To phone’ is clear enough on its face, but is ‘phone’ functioning as a verb here, or is there a noun hidden in plain sight? And then ‘again’ – the simple adverb that compounds the meaning, adding a layer of repetition or a fresh start. Each word in this complex crossword clue is a potential pivot point, a gateway to a different interpretation.
This isn’t just about finding a word; it’s about dissecting language, understanding the often-playful mind of the puzzle setter. A truly great crossword clue doesn’t just ask for an answer; it invites you on a linguistic adventure, a mental treasure hunt where the clues are words themselves. It challenges your assumptions, forces you to look beyond the obvious, and rewards you with that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment when the pieces finally click into place. For those who delight in the intricate dance of letters and meanings, this type of crossword clue is pure gold.
What makes a daily crossword challenge so compelling is precisely this kind of intellectual sparring. A singular crossword clue like ‘Attempted to phone again‘ can hold an entire crossword puzzle hostage until its secret is revealed. It demands a particular blend of vocabulary, general knowledge, and an acute sensitivity to the subtle nuances of English. It’s a testament to the art of clue-writing, where brevity often masks profound complexity and a seemingly innocent phrase can conceal a brilliant trick.
So, as we delve into the world of this particular crossword clue, prepare to exercise those mental muscles. We’ll explore the avenues of thought it opens, the linguistic traps it might set, and the sheer brilliance behind its construction. The journey to unlocking such a gem is often as rewarding as the solution itself, reminding us why we cherish every new crossword clue.
Available Answers:
REDIALED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Linguistic Gymnastics By Joe Rodini