The moment a
crossword clue
lands with a seemingly simple word, yet a parenthetical detail, is always intriguing. Today, our spotlight falls on “Blame (on),” a seemingly innocent pairing that often trips up even seasoned solvers. It’s a classic example of how a few extra characters can profoundly shift the meaning and the hunt for the right answer in any daily
crossword clue
.
At first glance, “Blame” itself is straightforward enough. We all understand the concept of assigning responsibility, finding fault, or pointing fingers. Synonyms like accuse, fault, hold responsible, or even incriminate might immediately spring to mind. But then comes that crucial “(on).” This tiny prepositional hint changes everything. It’s not just about the act of blaming; it’s about
how
that blame is directed, or what preposition naturally follows the verb in common usage. This subtle yet significant addition to the
crossword clue
forces us to narrow our focus considerably.
When a
crossword clue
includes a parenthetical like “(on),” it’s a strong indicator that the answer is a verb that typically takes that preposition immediately after it. Think of phrases like “to
place
blame
on
someone,” or “to
pin
blame
on
an individual.” The parenthetical serves as a direct grammatical pointer, guiding us away from generic synonyms and towards a specific type of verb construction. It’s the setter’s clever way of demanding precision, pushing us beyond the most obvious lexical links. Without it, the possibilities for solving this
crossword clue
would be far too broad, making it less of a challenge and more of a guessing game.
The beauty of a
crossword clue
like “Blame (on)” lies in its ability to make us reconsider everyday language. We use these phrases constantly, almost instinctively, yet isolating the specific verb that fits this exact construction can be surprisingly tough under pressure. Is it a word that implies the
weight
of blame, the
source
of blame, or simply the
action
of directing it? This kind of
crossword clue
demands not just a good vocabulary, but also an ear for idiomatic expressions and common phrasal verbs. It asks us to think about the natural flow of sentences, rather than just isolated definitions.
So, when you encounter this
crossword clue
in your next puzzle, pause and let that “(on)” sink in. It’s not just an afterthought; it’s the key to unlocking the precise word the setter has in mind. It refines the search, turning a broad concept into a sharply defined target. Keep an eye out for those subtle grammatical cues; they are often the secret sauce to conquering the most satisfying
crossword clue
challenges.
Available Answers:
PIN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Luke Nagel / Ed. Patti Varol