This Crossword Clue Has Us Shuffling! Card Carrier?
Well, fellow word warriors, gather ’round! Today we’re tackling a crossword clue that’s been causing quite a stir, a real head-scratcher that plays a delightful game of misdirection. The crossword clue in question? None other than ‘Card carrier?‘.
Oh, the simplicity! Oh, the deception! At first glance, this particular crossword clue seems straightforward enough, doesn’t it? Something that carries cards. But as seasoned solvers know, the most innocent-looking crossword clues often hide the deepest layers of wordplay. This isn’t just about finding a simple definition; it’s about navigating the glorious, often pun-filled labyrinth of a good crossword.
So, let’s unpack ‘Card carrier?‘ without giving the game away. What kind of ‘card’ are we even talking about? A playing card, perhaps? The kind you’d find in a deck, ready for a game of poker or solitaire? Or is it a credit card, nestled safely in a wallet? Maybe it’s a business card, exchanged at a networking event, or a loyalty card, promising future discounts. We could even consider a greeting card, full of well wishes, or an ID card, proof of identity. Each type of card opens up a new avenue for what its ‘carrier’ might be, making this crossword clue delightfully open-ended.
And then there’s the ‘carrier’ itself. Is it a person? Someone whose job involves carrying cards, like a dealer at a casino, or perhaps a mail person delivering greeting cards? Could it be an object, a vessel designed specifically for holding cards – a wallet, a card case, a pocket? Or are we dealing with a more metaphorical ‘carrier,’ someone who ‘carries’ a certain characteristic or trait, like being a ‘card’ in the sense of a funny or eccentric person? This breadth of interpretation is what makes a truly great crossword clue both frustrating and incredibly satisfying to solve.
Don’t forget that crucial question mark! In the world of cryptic crosswords, and even often in daily quick crosswords, a question mark is a flashing neon sign that screams, ‘Warning! Wordplay ahead!’ It tells us that the literal interpretation might be a red herring, that a pun, a homophone, or a clever twist is very likely at play. It’s not just a straightforward definition; it’s a puzzle within a puzzle, hinting at a lateral leap of thought needed to crack this particular crossword clue.
When faced with a crossword clue like ‘Card carrier?,’ a good strategy is to think broadly at first, then narrow it down. What’s the common thread? What’s the most
likely
wordplay given the usual conventions of crossword construction? Consider the letter count if you have it. Think about the surrounding letters if you’ve filled in other parts of the grid. Does it connect to a theme? Does it evoke a common idiom or phrase? The beauty of a challenging crossword clue is that it forces your brain to make connections it wouldn’t normally make.
This crossword clue is a fantastic example of how a simple phrase can hide so much complexity. It reminds us why we love crosswords – for the mental gymnastics, the ‘aha!’ moments, and the sheer joy of cracking a tricky word puzzle. Have you encountered similar crossword clues that initially stumped you with their clever double meanings? How did you approach ‘Card carrier?‘ when you first saw it? I’d love to hear your initial thoughts and interpretations before we reveal the full solution in a follow-up!
Available Answers:
DEALER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Michael Torch & Andrea Carla Michaels / Ed. Patti Varol