There are some
crossword clues
that, at first glance, seem disarmingly straightforward. Then there are those that, despite their brevity, carry a subtle weight, inviting you to pause, reflect, and perhaps even chuckle at their cleverness. “Cashew, e.g.” falls squarely into the latter category. It’s a quintessential example of a
crossword clue
that, while appearing simple, holds a nuanced challenge for solvers of all levels.
When you encounter a
crossword clue
ending with “e.g.” (short for
exempli gratia
, Latin for “for example”), your immediate instinct might be to brainstorm other items
similar
to the one provided. If the clue were “Apple, e.g.”, you might first think “banana” or “orange.” However, this common pitfall is precisely what makes such
crossword clues
so engaging and, for some, frustrating. The “e.g.” isn’t asking for another example
within
the same specific group, but rather for the
category
or
type
that the given example belongs to. It’s a subtle but critical distinction that separates a swift solve from a head-scratching moment.
Consider “Cashew, e.g.” What is a cashew? It’s a familiar, kidney-shaped delight, often roasted and salted, or used in various culinary applications from stir-fries to vegan cheeses. It grows on a tree, distinct from other well-known edibles. As a
crossword clue
, it forces you to ascend a level of abstraction. You’re not looking for “almond” or “walnut,” even though those might seem like logical companions. Instead, the mind must shift gears, moving from the specific instance to the broader classification that encompasses cashews and others of their kind.
This particular type of
crossword clue
serves as an excellent litmus test for a solver’s ability to think categorically. It tests your general knowledge, yes, but also your understanding of how
crossword clues
are constructed and intended to be interpreted. Many new solvers, and even some veterans caught off guard, will initially cycle through individual examples before realizing the broader scope required. It’s a testament to the elegance of
crossword clue
design that such a short phrase can demand such a specific logical leap.
Moreover, the beauty of this “e.g.” pattern in a
crossword clue
is its ubiquity. Once you master it with “Cashew, e.g.“, you’ll find the same logic applies to countless other scenarios. “Dodge, e.g.” would lead you to one answer, while “Symphony, e.g.” would lead to another, entirely different one, both operating on the same underlying principle of category identification. It’s a foundational concept in
crossword clue
solving, and understanding it unlocks a significant portion of common puzzle archetypes.
So, when “Cashew, e.g.” appears in your grid, resist the urge to fill in another specific item. Instead, take a moment to consider the fundamental nature of a cashew. What is its core identity? What larger group does it comfortably reside within? The answer to this
crossword clue
is concise, perfectly fitting the typical grid, and incredibly satisfying once you’ve made that crucial conceptual jump from example to category. It’s a testament to the elegance and precision that makes
crossword clues
such a beloved pastime.
Available Answers:
NUT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Robbie Cottom / Ed. Patti Varol