Sometimes a crossword clue hits you with such deceptive simplicity, you almost scoff. You scan the grid, the number of letters provided, and then re-read the seemingly straightforward prompt, wondering if the puzzle setter is just having a laugh. It’s a common experience for anyone who regularly tackles a daily cryptic or a challenging Sunday spread: the most obvious-sounding descriptions can often hide the most cunning traps. And then there are those rare gems, the ones that truly embody their definition, making you nod in recognition.
Today’s focus delves into just such a curious phrase that has tripped up many a seasoned solver: a “Choice that requires little thought.” At first glance, it feels like a gift. No obscure historical figures, no forgotten rivers, no highly specific Latin botanical terms. Just plain English, asking for a decision so intuitive, so obvious, that it practically makes itself. But here’s where the beauty – and the potential frustration – of a good crossword clue truly lies.
When faced with a “Choice that requires little thought,” our brains are conditioned to immediately jump to the most common idioms and expressions. We think of quick decisions, automatic responses, things that are a given. The challenge isn’t in understanding the core concept, but in identifying the precise term that perfectly fits the letter count and the surrounding crossers. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in making you overthink something inherently simple. It taps into that universal human experience of needing to make a quick decision without any agonizing deliberation, a situation where the path forward is unmistakably clear, almost predetermined.
Think about those moments in life where you don’t even pause. You reach for the light switch in a dark room. You automatically pick up a dropped item. These aren’t choices pondered; they are actions taken. And translating that essence into a concise, grid-fitting word for a crossword clue is where the real fun begins. It demands a shift from complex analysis to simple recognition. Many a solver has stared at this very crossword clue, convinced they’ve missed some hidden layer of meaning, when in reality, the answer is often staring them right in the face, cloaked in its very simplicity.
The genius of this particular crossword clue is its ability to make you doubt your first instinct. You might cycle through synonyms for “easy decision” or “obvious choice,” second-guessing yourself because it feels
too
easy. Yet, seasoned crossword solvers know that sometimes the most straightforward path is indeed the correct one. The trick is to trust that gut feeling, that immediate flicker of recognition, especially when the clue itself speaks to an immediate, intuitive response.
So, as we unravel the layers of this intriguing crossword clue, remember to strip away the complexities. Focus on the core meaning: a decision made without hesitation, without debate, almost on autopilot. It’s about finding that singular word that perfectly encapsulates the idea of a choice so plain, so self-evident, that one scarcely registers the act of choosing. Understanding how to approach such a deceptively simple crossword clue is a vital skill in sharpening your overall puzzle-solving prowess. Let’s delve deeper into finding that perfect fit for this seemingly effortless “Choice that requires little thought.”
Available Answers:
NOBRAINER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Rafael Musa & Rebecca Goldstein / Ed. Patti Varol