“Au contraire!”
“Au contraire!” – A Classic Crossword Clue Decoded
Ah, the joy of a good crossword puzzle! That feeling of accomplishment when you finally crack a tough clue, the satisfaction of seeing the grid fill in with each correct answer… it’s truly a satisfying experience. But sometimes, even the most seasoned crossword enthusiasts find themselves stumped.
Today, we’re tackling a clue that often trips up solvers:
“Au contraire!”
. This classic phrase, meaning “on the contrary”, has become a popular crossword clue, often used to indicate a word or phrase that contrasts with the previous answer.
But what exactly does this clue mean? How can we use it to decipher the hidden answer?
Let’s break it down:
“Au contraire”
is a French phrase, typically used as a polite way to disagree or to express a contrasting opinion.
In crossword puzzles, it’s often used to signal a shift in direction, a change in perspective, or a contrast with the previous answer.
For example, if the previous clue was “Small bird” and the answer was “WREN”, the clue “Au contraire!” might lead you to a word that is the opposite of small, like “HUGE”.
However, “Au contraire!” can also be used in more nuanced ways. It may indicate a word that is a synonym for “opposite”, or it could be a clue for a word that simply contrasts with the previous answer in some way.
The key to solving “Au contraire!” clues lies in understanding the context of the puzzle and the previous answer. Pay close attention to the surrounding clues, consider the length of the answer, and think outside the box. Sometimes, the answer might be a word that is entirely unrelated to the previous clue, but it will still have some sort of contrasting relationship.
So, the next time you encounter “Au contraire!” in a crossword puzzle, don’t despair! Instead, use this guide to decode the clue and unlock the hidden answer. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with a little bit of thought and ingenuity, you’ll be able to conquer even the trickiest clues. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
IT ISN’T!.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 5 Sep 24, Thursday