Have you ever stared at a crossword clue, utterly baffled, convinced the setter must be speaking a language only they understand? We’ve all been there, especially when a seemingly straightforward phrase hides a truly ingenious twist. Today’s head-scratcher, which sent more than a few solvers down a delightful rabbit hole, is:
“Chooses traffic over train, perhaps.”
At first glance, this particular crossword clue seems to defy common sense. Who in their right mind actively “chooses traffic” when the smooth, predictable efficiency of a “train” is an option? The very idea of willingly opting for gridlock, stop-and-go frustration, and endless delays over a relaxing journey conjures images of pure madness. But herein lies the genius of a well-crafted puzzle. The little word “perhaps” isn’t just a casual addition; it’s a neon sign flashing “Think beyond the obvious!” It whispers of metaphor, of alternative interpretations, of a world where “traffic” might not just mean clogged roads, and “train” isn’t solely about rail tracks.
This specific crossword clue forces us to reconsider our assumptions about travel and preference. Is it about control versus being controlled? Privacy versus public transit? Or perhaps it’s a clever misdirection, leading us to ponder an idiom or a less common usage of the words involved. The beauty of these challenging clues is how they make us look at everyday concepts through a new lens. What kind of person, or what kind of situation, would lead to such a counterintuitive “choice”? The tension between the perceived “bad” option (traffic) and the perceived “good” option (train) is where the puzzle truly begins to unravel.
Seasoned crossword solvers know that when a crossword clue presents a seemingly illogical scenario, it’s time to switch gears from literal interpretation to wordplay. Is there a pun lurking? A hidden definition? Or a phrase that encapsulates this peculiar preference? It’s a classic example of a setter inviting us to step outside the box, to consider not just the dictionary definitions of “traffic” and “train,” but their broader implications, their cultural associations, and how they might be twisted into a clever answer. Deciphering such a complex crossword clue requires a blend of linguistic agility and lateral thinking.
Cracking a difficult crossword clue like this one provides that unique “aha!” moment, the satisfaction of connecting disparate ideas into a coherent solution. It’s a testament to the power of language and the cleverness of puzzle constructors. While the immediate impulse might be to dismiss it as absurd, a deeper dive reveals layers of meaning, waiting to be uncovered by the discerning solver. So, before you throw in the towel on this intriguing crossword clue, consider all the angles it presents. The answer, as is often the case with the best puzzles, is both elegant and deceptively simple, once you’ve navigated the delightful linguistic labyrinth.
Available Answers:
CABS IT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1011-25 NY Times Crossword 11 Oct 25, Saturday