Welcome back, puzzle enthusiasts! Today, we’re taking a magnifying glass to a fascinating little phrase that often pops up in your daily grid: “Brought out.” At first glance, it might seem straightforward, a simple past tense verb. But as any seasoned solver knows, simplicity can be the most deceptive trap in the world of crossword clues. This particular phrase is a chameleon, capable of shifting its meaning depending on the cryptic context or the setter’s mischievous intent. Understanding its various facets is key to cracking not just this specific instance, but to enhancing your overall crossword clue solving strategy.
When you encounter “Brought out” as a crossword clue, your mental dictionary should immediately spring into action, sifting through a spectrum of possibilities. Let’s consider the literal interpretation first. Something that is “brought out” can mean it was physically retrieved from an enclosed space. Think of an object taken from a drawer, a box, or a cupboard. It’s about presentation, making something visible that was previously hidden. This physical act of removal and display is a foundational understanding for this type of crossword clue.
However, crosswords rarely stick to the purely literal. “Brought out” frequently leans into more figurative territory. One common interpretation revolves around publication or release. A new album, a book, a film – these are all “brought out” when they are made available to the public. The act of production culminates in this unveiling, and many a crossword clue will hint at this meaning. If you’re pondering a single-word answer, consider terms associated with this type of public debut.
Then there’s the psychological or emotional dimension. “Brought out” can refer to eliciting a quality or a feeling in someone. Someone might “bring out” the best in you, or perhaps a challenging situation could “bring out” a hidden resilience. This sense of development or revelation of an inherent trait is a powerful and often used nuance for this crossword clue. It moves beyond physical objects and into the realm of abstract concepts and human interaction. Look for answers that imply activation or manifestation of an internal state.
Another layer of complexity comes from the idea of emphasis or display. To “bring out” a feature can mean to highlight it, to make it more noticeable or prominent. A fashion designer might “bring out” the details of a garment, or a speaker might “bring out” a key point in their argument. This speaks to drawing attention, making something stand apart. When facing this crossword clue, think about words that convey showcasing or accentuating.
The beauty and challenge of “Brought out” as a crossword clue lie in its versatility. Is the setter looking for a synonym for
producing
? Or
revealing
? Perhaps
eliciting
? The tense is clearly past, which narrows down verb choices but doesn’t solve the semantic puzzle. Often, the number of letters in the answer box, or indeed surrounding intersecting letters, will be your strongest guide. Pay close attention to any short connecting words in the clue itself – “Brought out
a
new line,” or “Brought out
the
truth” – as these can subtly steer your interpretation.
When you encounter this crossword clue again, don’t rush. Take a moment to mentally cycle through these various shades of meaning. Picture the scenarios where “Brought out” would naturally fit. Is it a physical act, a public release, an emotional revelation, or an act of highlighting? The answer is hiding within these possibilities, waiting for you to unearth it. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and soon, these tricky crossword clues will become your favorite challenges!
Available Answers:
EVOKED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Luke Nagel / Ed. Patti Varol