Decoding the Digital Downpour: That Tricky Crossword Clue
Right, let’s dive straight into it. You’ve encountered “Cellphone’s weather app, e.g.” staring back at you from the grid. It’s a common type of clue, one that leverages our everyday tech reliance, but can still present a head-scratching challenge. These seemingly simple clues often rely on understanding the
type
of thing being referred to, rather than the
specific
thing itself.
Think about the components involved. We have the broad category: cellphone. This immediately restricts our thinking to functions and features available on these ubiquitous devices. Then, we have the specific function: a weather app. This further narrows our scope, reminding us that we’re looking for something connected to weather forecasting.
The crucial part of this crossword clue, however, lies in the “e.g.” This abbreviation, short for “exempli gratia” (Latin for “for example”), signifies that the solution isn’t necessarily a
specific
weather app name. Instead, it’s pointing towards a
type
or
category
to which weather apps belong. It’s not AccuWeather, WeatherBug, or The Weather Channel specifically, but rather the
kind
of thing those examples represent.
The puzzle setter is asking you to think abstractly. They’re nudging you away from individual brands and towards the broader concept. Consider the underlying function these apps perform. What do they
do
, beyond just displaying a sun or rain icon? What service are they providing in the grand scheme of things?
To untangle this, consider the language often used when describing these kinds of applications. Think about the terminology used by tech journalists, app developers, and even everyday users when discussing the overall function of a weather app. Are they providing data? If so, what kind of data? Are they providing a service? If so, what kind of service?
Also, consider alternative interpretations of “app.” While the most obvious meaning is a software application, remember the crafty nature of crossword puzzles. Is there a less common meaning of “app” that, when combined with “weather,” might lead you closer to the answer? Think outside the confines of your phone screen for a moment.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, keep the grid in mind. The number of letters in the answer is a critical piece of information. Experiment with possibilities, plugging them into the intersecting clues to see if they create valid words. Don’t be afraid to try different variations of your potential solutions, keeping the overall puzzle integrity at the forefront of your mind.
Good luck cracking this one! It’s a clever clue, and the satisfaction of solving it will be well worth the effort. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
WIDGET.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0728-25 NY Times Crossword 28 Jul 25, Monday