A Wing and a Prayer: Deciphering This Feathery Crossword Conundrum
Alright, fellow crossword enthusiasts, let’s ruffle some feathers with today’s puzzle! We’ve got a particularly intriguing clue pointing us towards some avian delights, specifically “Birds phonetically suggested by a feature of 17-, 27- and 51-Across“. Now, that’s a mouthful, and a delightfully cryptic one at that. It’s clear we’re dealing with a phonetic connection, where the
sound
of something related to the clues at 17-, 27-, and 51-Across gives us our final answer: A specific type of bird.
This type of clue is a classic trickster in the crossword world. It’s not about literal definitions or historical facts directly related to birds. Instead, we need to engage our aural sensibilities. Forget about feathers, beaks, and nests for now. Our mission is to
listen
to these three entries.
The key here is to dissect each contributing across clue with laser focus. We need to fully understand their meanings and how they fit into the overall grid. But more importantly, we need to
pronounce
them clearly and carefully, paying attention to any sounds that might be subtly suggestive.
Think of it as a sound puzzle nested within a word puzzle. What component of each answer
sounds like
part or all of a bird’s name? Could it be a syllable, a near-homophone, or even just a fragment of sound that resonates? This is where the fun – and the frustration! – truly begins.
Consider the context. Are these clues playful or straightforward? Is the overall puzzle theme whimsical or serious? The tone of the surrounding clues can often give you subtle hints about the level of abstraction employed by the puzzle creator. A lighthearted puzzle might lean towards a more obvious phonetic connection, while a tougher one might require more creative interpretation.
This type of “sounds like” clue often leads to those wonderful “aha!” moments that make solving crosswords so rewarding. The initial frustration of staring blankly at the grid melts away as a seemingly disparate set of clues clicks into place, revealing a connection you might never have considered otherwise.
So, sharpen your pencils, flex your phonetic muscles, and prepare to embark on this avian adventure! Before jumping to conclusions about particular bird species, make sure you’ve rigorously analyzed the answers at 17, 27, and 51 across. What are they? How would you define them? Do they contain any obvious phonetic hints?
Remember, the power of this clue lies in the intersection of sound and meaning. It requires us to think laterally, embrace ambiguity, and listen closely. Trust your instincts, don’t be afraid to try different pronunciations, and most importantly, enjoy the process of uncovering the puzzle’s hidden melodies.
Good luck, and happy solving! Let me know how you tackled this clue and what strategies you employed. I’m keen to hear your thought processes.
Available Answers:
TOUCANS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0812-25 NY Times Crossword 12 Aug 25, Tuesday