Every seasoned solver knows the thrill, that unparalleled rush, of cracking a truly ingenious
crossword clue
. It’s the linguistic equivalent of hitting a grand slam, a moment of pure intellectual alchemy where disparate words suddenly coalesce into the perfectly fitting solution. We live for those moments, the “aha!” that resonates deep within the solver’s soul, confirming that the constructor’s brilliance has met its match in our own persistent deduction. These are the elusive “A+” clues, the ones we mentally bookmark and recount to fellow enthusiasts, marveling at their sheer elegance and the unexpected twists of their wordplay.
But let’s be honest: not every
crossword clue
can be an “A+”. The pursuit of perfection, while noble, often overlooks the unsung heroes of the grid – those clever, well-crafted, immensely satisfying clues that, for all their merit, just don’t quite reach that rarefied air of absolute genius. These are the “B+” clues. They’re undeniably smart, occasionally mischievous, and always rewarding, yet they possess a subtle characteristic that prevents them from ascending to the very peak of
crossword clue
perfection. Perhaps it’s a tiny hint of familiarity, a slightly less obscure piece of trivia, or a misdirection that’s brilliant but not entirely unprecedented. Whatever the reason, these clues offer a unique joy, a sense of accomplishment that feels both hard-won and eminently fair.
Consider the landscape of
crossword clues
: a vast tapestry woven from literal definitions, clever puns, cryptic wordplay, and delightful trickery. Within this expansive domain, the “B+” category holds a special place. It’s where the constructor demonstrates mastery without necessarily breaking new ground, where the solver feels challenged but rarely utterly defeated. It’s the sweet spot of excellent craftsmanship, providing a consistent stream of enjoyable solving experiences that form the backbone of any great puzzle. These are the clues that keep us coming back, day after day, because they promise a journey of delightful discovery, even if the destination isn’t always a world-shattering revelation.
This week, a particular
crossword clue
perfectly encapsulated this “B+, but not A+” phenomenon for me. It wasn’t a mind-bending enigma that left me staring at the ceiling for hours, nor was it a straightforward definition that offered no resistance. Instead, it was a finely tuned piece of wordplay, a masterclass in subtle misdirection that led me down a garden path only to gently guide me towards its clever, yet ultimately attainable, answer. The elegance of its construction was evident, and the “click” when the solution finally presented itself was immensely gratifying. Yet, as I admired its cleverness, I found myself thinking, “This is brilliant, truly. A solid ‘B+’ effort from the constructor.” It had all the hallmarks of a superb
crossword clue
: economy of words, a touch of evocative imagery, and a deceptively simple appearance that masked a deeper layer of meaning.
What makes a
crossword clue
worthy of this specific, high praise, yet stops it just short of the ultimate accolade? It’s often a delicate balance. The “A+” clues are those rare gems that fuse unexpected categories, employ unprecedented wordplay, or present a familiar concept in a startlingly fresh light. The “B+” clues, on the other hand, might lean on established patterns of cryptic construction, or their cleverness might be just
a touch
more transparent upon reflection. They are perfectly executed examples of known
crossword clue
archetypes.
Join me as we delve into the anatomy of this week’s prime example, a
crossword clue
that, for all its undeniable excellence, settled comfortably into the distinguished realm of “B+, but not A+“.
Available Answers:
ION.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Jared Cappel / Ed. Patti Varol