The finely crafted “Bordering on inappropriate, in a way” presents itself as a true delight for any solver navigating the intricate landscape of a daily crossword. This particular crossword clue stands out, not just for its elegance, but for the subtle yet distinct signals it sends, guiding astute minds towards a solution that is often more about wit than direct definition.
At first glance, the phrase “bordering on” immediately conjures images of proximity, adjacency, or being on the cusp of something. We might envision physical edges: the line between two countries, the rim of a cup, or the very perimeter of a page. But crosswords, being the clever constructs they are, rarely offer such straightforward interpretations without a twist. Here, “bordering on” could equally suggest a figurative nearing – being almost, or verging on, a particular state or condition. It sets up an expectation of something that is not quite there, but tantalizingly close. This duality is a cornerstone of many challenging crossword clue constructions.
Then we encounter “inappropriate.” This word, typically laden with social or moral implications, suggests something unfitting, unseemly, or out of place. In everyday discourse, “inappropriate” can cover a vast spectrum from a minor faux pas to a serious transgression. However, within the confines of a crossword clue, its meaning often undergoes a fascinating transformation. Is it truly about social decorum, or is the puzzle setter hinting at something else entirely – perhaps something that simply doesn’t ‘fit’ in a different, more literal or abstract sense? This is where the experienced crossword solver begins to anticipate the subtle misdirection that makes these puzzles so engaging.
The real key to unlocking this particular crossword clue, however, lies in its final, unassuming three-word tag: “in a way.” This phrase is an almost universal indicator in the world of crosswords that the direct interpretation is not the intended one. “In a way” signals wordplay. It whispers of puns, double meanings, clever linguistic contortions, or perhaps a highly specific, niche context where the preceding words take on an unexpected significance. It tells the solver, in no uncertain terms, to think laterally, to explore alternative definitions, or to consider how sounds and structures of words might create a humorous or surprising answer.
When a crossword clue includes such a qualifier, it’s an invitation to consider how an object, action, or concept might be described as “inappropriate” not in a conventional sense, but in a highly specific, perhaps even literal or ironic, context. The answer will likely connect the idea of a ‘border’ or ‘edge’ with something that, “in a way,” doesn’t quite fit or belongs. The brilliance lies in how the setter uses common language to construct a phrase that
sounds
like a common idiom, yet actually points to something far more literal or abstract once the “in a way” instruction is fully heeded.
Dissecting such a crossword clue requires patience and a willingness to play with words. It demands that one step back from the immediate, obvious definitions and instead consider the broader, more metaphorical, or even homophonic possibilities that the English language offers. The solution will undoubtedly bring that satisfying “aha!” moment, characteristic of truly exceptional crossword insights, where the disparate elements of “bordering on,” “inappropriate,” and “in a way” coalesce into a singularly clever entry.
Available Answers:
RACY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0801-25 NY Times Crossword 1 Aug 25, Friday