Closest confidant, informally

Cracking the Code: “Closest Confidant, Informally”

Ah, the crossword puzzle. A beloved brain teaser, a source of both frustration and satisfaction, and a gateway to a world of obscure vocabulary. Today’s focus? A classic clue that often throws even the most seasoned solvers for a loop:

“Closest confidant, informally.”

This clue is tricky for a few reasons. It’s a two-parter, requiring us to consider both the
closest confidant
and the
informal
aspect. The “closest confidant” part suggests a deep level of trust and intimacy, someone you can confide in without reservation. The “informally” part tells us that the answer is likely a casual term, something you wouldn’t use in a formal setting.

This makes us think about the various ways we refer to close friends and confidants. We might call them our “best friend,” our “ride or die,” or even just “my person.” But are any of these terms truly informal enough to fit the clue?

Let’s break down the clue’s components further to see if we can find a solution:

Closest Confidant:

This implies a deep emotional bond, someone you trust implicitly and share your deepest thoughts and secrets with.

Informally:

This means we’re looking for a casual, everyday term, something you might use in a conversation with close friends.

Think about the different ways we might refer to our closest friends. Do any of them feel truly “informal” enough to fit the clue?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your own strategies for tackling this type of crossword clue.

Available Answers:

BESTIE.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 25 Oct 24, Friday