The cleverness of a really good crossword clue lies in its ability to take a phrase you use every day and twist it into something entirely unexpected. Consider the deceptively simple
crossword clue
: “Calls for takeout.” At first glance, your mind immediately goes to dinner plans, perhaps a craving for pad thai or a pizza night. This initial, intuitive leap is precisely what the clue setter intends, laying a delightful trap for the unwary solver.
Many a challenging
crossword clue
like this one operates by playing on the multiple meanings of common words, or by recontextualizing an entire phrase. The most obvious interpretation is rarely the correct one in cryptic or even standard crosswords when a common phrase is presented as if it were an instruction or a description of something entirely different. To truly master solving such a
crossword clue
, one must learn to suspend the immediate, surface-level understanding and dig deeper.
Let’s dissect the components of this intriguing
crossword clue
. First, we have “Calls.” What are the various lives this word leads? Beyond simply telephoning or summoning, “calls” can refer to a type of sound, a shout, a demand, or even a specific cry. Think about the variety of “calls” one might hear or make in different situations. Each of these interpretations opens up new avenues for potential solutions to this
crossword clue
. Is it a verb, a noun, or even an adjective in disguise? The grammatical function can often be the first hint at the path the clue intends for you to take.
Then there’s “takeout.” Again, the most common association is food prepared and packaged to be consumed elsewhere. However, in the vast tapestry of the English language, “takeout” also describes other concepts. It can refer to a removal, a deduction, or even specific maneuvers in certain contexts. Consider the action of “taking out” something – what could that entail? Is it a physical removal? A deletion? A strategic play? The beauty of this kind of
crossword clue
is how it forces you to shed your preconceived notions and explore the full semantic range of each word.
The genius of this particular
crossword clue
lies in the way these two seemingly disparate elements, “calls” and “takeout,” are brought together to create a new, often witty, meaning that is entirely divorced from ordering dinner. The solver’s task is to find that specific intersection where a less common meaning of “calls” perfectly aligns with an alternative interpretation of “takeout.” It’s a masterful piece of wordplay that challenges the solver to think outside the box, beyond the kitchen counter.
When faced with such a compelling
crossword clue
, effective strategies are key. Try isolating each word and brainstorming every possible definition, synonym, or homophone you can think of. Then, attempt to recombine these alternative meanings in ways that make logical, albeit unconventional, sense. Sometimes the clue hints at a literal interpretation of a figurative phrase, or vice-versa. The trick is to play with the words, letting their various meanings dance together until a new, unexpected, yet perfectly fitting solution emerges.
This “Calls for takeout“
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of the linguistic agility required for crossword solving. It’s a reminder that language is a flexible, multifaceted tool, and often the most familiar phrases contain hidden depths just waiting to be uncovered by an observant solver. The satisfaction of unraveling such a cleverly constructed
crossword clue
is immense, transforming a common utterance into a moment of true intellectual delight.
Available Answers:
ORDERS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Wednesday’s Daily By Daniel Hrynick / Ed. Patti Varol