Sink or Swim: Decoding ‘Battleship Cry’ in Your Crossword Puzzle
The satisfying
thunk
of a pencil filling in the final square. The quiet triumph of cracking a particularly tricky clue. These are the moments that make crossword puzzles so addictive. But what happens when you’re faced with a cryptic clue that seems impossible to decipher?
Today, we’re diving deep into one such clue: ‘Battleship cry‘. Sounds simple enough, right? We’re talking about a board game, naval warfare, and a sound – a very specific sound. But the beauty, and the challenge, of crossword puzzles lies in their layers. It’s rarely a direct translation.
Let’s break down the key elements of this clue, focusing on how crosswords typically manipulate language.
Thinking Beyond the Obvious:
Our first instinct might be to think literally. What sound
does
a battleship make? Is it the roar of its engines, the clang of metal, or perhaps the whoosh of a missile? While these are all valid associations with battleships, they rarely translate into the concise, often single-word answer demanded by a crossword grid.
Crossword clues are masters of misdirection. They exploit the multiple meanings of words, employ puns, and leverage cultural references to lead you down the wrong path. The phrase “battleship cry” could be a metaphor for something else entirely. Think about the
outcome
of a successful battleship strike. What happens when you find your target?
The Power of Association:
Instead of focusing solely on the physical sound, consider the
consequences
of a successful attack in Battleship. What’s the phrase shouted in jubilation (or frustration, depending on which side you’re on)? The game itself has a very distinct vocabulary.
Keywords like “battleship” should trigger a mental checklist of terms associated with the game. Review the gameplay and the specific language used when a ship is hit or sunk. What is the ultimate goal of the game? What signifies victory, and what phrase commonly accompanies that victory?
Decoding Cryptic Clues (Even When They’re Not):
While “Battleship cry” might not be a classically cryptic clue, it still requires a degree of lateral thinking. Consider the following techniques:
Synonyms:
Could the “cry” be a synonym for a shout, exclamation, or announcement?
Abbreviations:
Crosswords frequently use abbreviations. Could the answer be a shortened version of a phrase related to Battleship?
Hidden Meanings:
Are there any subtle hints hidden within the wording of the clue itself? Pay close attention to the individual words.
Context is King:
Crucially, consider the context of the clue within the larger puzzle. What are the lengths of the intersecting words? Do any of the letters you’ve already filled in provide a starting point? These intersecting letters can be invaluable in narrowing down the possibilities. If you have two letters already in place, it drastically limits the possibilities.
By combining a careful analysis of the clue, a broad understanding of Battleship terminology, and a little bit of crossword intuition, you’ll be well on your way to sinking this tricky clue and claiming victory!
Available Answers:
MISS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Zachary David Levy / Ed. Patti Varol