Some
crossword clues
just hit differently. They’re not merely about recalling a definition or a synonym. They’re the kind that make you lean back, perhaps tap your pen thoughtfully, and consider the layers of meaning embedded in just a few words. These are the
crossword clues
that challenge your geographical knowledge, your historical recall, or your understanding of subtle linguistic nuances. And sometimes, they delve into very specific, almost niche, facts that make the eventual “Aha!” moment all the more satisfying.
One such captivating
crossword clue
recently made an appearance, prompting a delightful dive into North American geography: “City that shares an international airport with Seattle.” At first glance, it might seem deceptively simple, or even misdirecting. After all, Seattle is famously served by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC), a major hub for the Pacific Northwest. But the phrasing of this particular
crossword clue
is crucial. It’s not asking for Seattle’s airport, nor is it asking for a city that
uses
Sea-Tac. It specifically states a city that
shares an international airport
with Seattle.
This is where the brilliance of a well-crafted
crossword clue
shines. The word “shares” is the key. It implies a mutual relationship, a joint access point, rather than a primary one. It immediately signals that we need to look beyond the obvious. If it’s an
international
airport, and it’s shared with Seattle, then it’s highly probable that this other city, and the airport itself, must be in close proximity to the international border that separates the United States and Canada. This pushes the solver’s mind northward, past the immediate Puget Sound area, towards a different metropolitan region that has significant ties to the Pacific Northwest.
Thinking about the
crossword clue
‘s wording, “international airport” is another critical piece of information. This isn’t just a regional airstrip; it’s a facility handling flights between countries. Such airports often serve large population centers or act as key gateways for broader regions. The context of Seattle, a major port city and technological hub, only reinforces the idea that this shared facility would need to be substantial. The mental map starts to narrow, focusing on cities that are significant enough to warrant their own international air travel infrastructure, yet are geographically positioned to truly “share” such a resource with the Seattle metropolitan area.
The beauty of tackling a
crossword clue
like this lies in the process of elimination and the application of specific, sometimes obscure, knowledge. It’s not about generic trivia; it’s about connecting distinct geographical and logistical dots. For those who enjoy the thrill of a good brain-teaser, this type of
crossword puzzle clue
is a true gem. It demands a slight shift in perspective, moving from the direct to the inferential, and rewarding the solver with a fascinating piece of information they might not have considered before. It’s a testament to how much we can learn, one challenging
crossword clue
at a time.
Available Answers:
TACOMA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0805-25 NY Times Crossword 5 Aug 25, Tuesday