The joy of a well-crafted crossword puzzle often lies in those deceptively simple clues that, upon first glance, seem straightforward, but then demand a deeper dive into your vocabulary and understanding of nuance. Today, we’re dissecting a classic example that often stumps even seasoned solvers: “Avoids, as an issue.” This isn’t just any “crossword clue”; it’s a linguistic tightrope walk, and understanding its subtle demands is key to cracking the puzzle.
When you encounter a crossword clue like “Avoids, as an issue,” your brain immediately starts sifting through synonyms for “avoid.” But here’s where the crucial second part, “as an issue,” comes into play. It’s not about physically moving away from something, like avoiding a puddle on the sidewalk. Instead, it points to a more abstract, often deliberate, act of non-engagement with a problem, a topic, a responsibility, or even an uncomfortable truth. This distinction is paramount for any crossword clue focused on actions and their specific contexts.
Think about the implications of “as an issue.” What does one do with an issue if they’re avoiding it? They might not confront it directly. They might choose not to address it. Perhaps they deliberately talk around it, or perhaps they simply ignore its existence altogether. This tells us the solution to this crossword clue will likely be a verb that conveys this kind of intellectual, conversational, or even emotional disengagement. The action isn’t usually one of outright flight, but rather a more subtle form of circumvention or deliberate neglect.
Consider the different ways we describe someone not dealing with a problem. Do they brush it aside? Do they refuse to acknowledge it? Are they perhaps deflecting attention from it? Each of these actions, while distinct, falls under the umbrella of “avoiding an issue.” This particular crossword clue is brilliant because it forces you to move beyond the most common, generic synonyms for “avoid” and zero in on words that specifically relate to interaction (or lack thereof) with a difficult subject.
The power of a good crossword clue is its ability to test your command of synonyms and antonyms, but also your understanding of idiomatic expressions and shades of meaning. For “Avoids, as an issue,” it’s less about a physical act and more about a mental or rhetorical strategy. The word you’re looking for will embody this specific type of evasion, often implying a conscious choice not to deal with something head-on. It’s a word that captures the essence of sidestepping a challenge or a delicate subject.
Next time you see this crossword clue, remember to put on your semantic detective hat. Don’t just list every synonym for “avoid” that comes to mind. Instead, filter those possibilities through the lens of “as an issue.” What kind of word describes someone not tackling a problem, not discussing a difficult topic, or not fulfilling an obligation? It’s a verbal action, active in its passivity, and it’s this precise focus that helps unlock many a challenging crossword grid. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
SKIRTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Drop It! By Mat Holmes