Every dedicated puzzler knows the feeling: you’re cruising through a crossword, filling in answers with satisfying precision, and then you hit a wall. A single, deceptively simple crossword clue stops you dead in your tracks, demanding more than just straightforward recall. It’s not about obscure trivia or complex anagrams; sometimes, the most challenging clues are those that twist everyday language into a delightful, mind-bending knot.
Today, we’re diving into precisely that kind of head-scratcher: the crossword clue, “Certain delivery worker?“.
At first glance, it seems so innocent, doesn’t it? A delivery worker. Your mind immediately conjures images of people bringing packages to your door, or perhaps hot meals from your favorite restaurant. But this is a crossword, and in the world of crosswords, nothing is ever quite as it seems. The best crossword clues are masters of misdirection, and this one is a prime example.
The brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in its two key components: “certain” and “delivery.” What does “certain” imply here? Does it mean a specific
type
of delivery, or does it hint at a
sure
or
guaranteed
outcome? And “delivery”—while we commonly associate it with physical goods, could it possibly refer to something less tangible? Crossword constructors love to play with the multiple meanings of words, inviting us to look beyond the most obvious interpretation. Is “delivery” used in a sense of performing, presenting, or even giving birth?
When encountering a crossword clue like this, the first rule is to cast your net wide. Forget your preconceived notions of postal carriers and couriers for a moment. Think about all the different contexts in which “delivery” might be used. What else can be “delivered”? A speech, a joke, a verdict, a baby, a punch, even a musical note. And who are the “workers” associated with these less conventional deliveries? This kind of lateral thinking is the hallmark of effective crossword puzzle-solving.
This “Certain delivery worker?” crossword clue is a fantastic exercise in wordplay. It forces us to consider synonyms, homonyms, and idiomatic expressions that might otherwise escape our notice. It’s not just about filling in boxes; it’s about appreciating the cleverness of language and the way a skilled crossword constructor can turn a simple phrase into an intricate linguistic puzzle. It’s the kind of crossword clue that makes you smile once the penny drops, revealing an answer that was hiding in plain sight, just waiting for you to see it from a new angle. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most obvious path is intentionally obscured, making the “aha!” moment all the more satisfying.
Available Answers:
STORK.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Kaye Brown / Ed. Patti Varol