The dance with a particularly well-crafted crossword clue is one of life’s finer mental tussles. You know the kind: it sits there, seemingly straightforward, yet its true meaning remains just beyond reach, like a word on the tip of your tongue. This week, for many, that exquisitely frustrating and ultimately satisfying experience came courtesy of the clue, “Canniest, for instance.”
At first glance, this crossword clue might seem like a simple definitional prompt. We all have a general understanding of “canniest.” It speaks to the shrewd, the most astute, the sharpest minds among us – those who possess an uncanny ability to navigate complex situations with clever foresight. It’s the superlative form, immediately signaling that we’re dealing with the highest degree of this particular trait. But then, there are those two little words appended to it: “for instance.” And that, dear solver, transforms what might have been a straightforward synonym hunt into a more nuanced linguistic puzzle, characteristic of the best crossword clue challenges.
The phrase “for instance” is a common signal in the world of crossword puzzles, a subtle hint that experienced solvers quickly learn to recognize. It doesn’t mean we’re looking for a definition of “instance” itself, nor is it merely conversational filler. In the context of a crossword clue, “for instance” typically indicates that the answer you’re seeking is an
example
of the preceding word or concept. If a crossword clue read “Colors, for instance,” you wouldn’t be looking for “spectrum” or “hues”; you’d be looking for “red” or “blue.” This mechanism adds an extra layer of abstraction, asking you not just for a direct synonym, but for a specific illustration of the trait.
So, when faced with “Canniest, for instance” as your crossword clue, the mental gears shift. We’re not merely seeking
another
word for “canniest” in its superlative form. Instead, the task becomes identifying an adjective that exemplifies the quality of being exceptionally shrewd or clever. It’s a subtle but significant distinction, separating the merely knowledgeable solver from the one who truly understands the intricate language of the grid. It’s a classic misdirection technique, cloaked in plain sight, ensuring that you don’t just rely on your lexicon but also on your understanding of cryptic phrasing common to many a challenging crossword clue.
Decoding this particular crossword clue demands a multi-pronged approach. One might initially brainstorm synonyms for “canny”: shrewd, astute, clever, artful, cunning, sharp. Then, consider their superlative forms. But the “for instance” demands a pivot. Which of these, or a related concept, could stand as a prime
example
of ‘canniest’? Is it a specific type of shrewdness? A particular kind of cleverness? The scope widens, yet simultaneously narrows, focusing the search on words that perfectly fit both the primary definition and the ‘example’ modifier. This is where the true joy of tackling a challenging crossword clue lies – in the intricate unraveling of layers.
It’s the kind of crossword clue that makes you pause, perhaps jot down a few possibilities, and then re-evaluate each one through the lens of that crucial “for instance.” It tests not just vocabulary, but also lateral thinking and an intimate familiarity with the unspoken rules of crossword construction. The solution, when it finally clicks, feels incredibly satisfying precisely because it marries the definition of “canniest” with the exemplifying power of “for instance” in a wonderfully elegant way. It’s a testament to the skill of the puzzle constructor to create such an engaging and thought-provoking crossword clue. This isn’t just about finding a word; it’s about understanding the deep grammar of the crossword puzzle itself.
Available Answers:
ANAGRAM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1019-25 NY Times Crossword 19 Oct 25, Sunday