Chew like a beaver

Chewing the Fat: Unlocking a Toothy Crossword Clue

Ah, the joys of a crossword puzzle! The satisfying click of a pen on paper, the thrill of deciphering cryptic clues, the triumph of filling in the final square. But sometimes, even the most seasoned solver can stumble upon a clue that leaves them scratching their head. Today, we’re tackling one such cryptic challenge:

“Chew like a beaver.”

This clue, with its whimsical imagery, might seem simple at first. But it’s hiding a more complex answer than meets the eye. Let’s break down the clue and see what clues we can glean:

“Chew”

is a straightforward indicator that we’re looking for a word related to biting or gnawing.

“Like a beaver”

hints at a specific manner of chewing. Beavers are known for their incredible teeth and their ability to gnaw through wood with ease.

So, what might this tell us about the answer? The key here is to think beyond the literal image of a beaver chomping on a tree. Consider the
function
of their chewing. What unique characteristic does this method of chewing create?

Let’s consider some possibilities. Is the answer related to a specific type of tooth, a particular shape, or perhaps even a sound? Or could it be something entirely different, like a type of material or a process?

Don’t get discouraged if you’re stuck. Keep playing with the clue and consider all angles. Sometimes the most unexpected answer is hiding in plain sight.

I’ll be back later with the solution, but in the meantime, let me know if you have any theories in the comments below!

Available Answers:

GNAW.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 23 Sep 24, Monday