Stumped by “Closing on Sundays?” – A Crossword Clue Conundrum!
Hey crossword fanatics! This week’s puzzle threw a real curveball at me, and I know I’m not alone. That sneaky little clue, “Closing on Sundays?“, had me scratching my head for longer than I’d care to admit. It’s the kind of clue that plays on your expectations, making you think about businesses, perhaps a specific store’s hours…but the answer is far more clever than that.
What makes this clue so tricky? It’s the ambiguity. The phrase “closing on Sundays” can be interpreted in multiple ways, leading you down a garden path of wrong answers. Are we looking for a type of business? A specific action? An idiom? The beauty of a truly great crossword clue is its ability to mislead while still hinting at the correct solution. This one certainly fits the bill.
To crack this nut, we need to think outside the box (pun intended!). Consider the different ways the words can be interpreted. What does “closing”
mean
beyond just shutting a shop? Think about wordplay, anagrams, and even possible abbreviations. Could the clue be referring to something completely unrelated to the literal meaning of the words?
This isn’t just about finding the answer; it’s about the
process
. It’s about honing your skills in deciphering cryptic clues, and understanding how crossword constructors play with language. It’s about the satisfaction of that “aha!” moment when the solution finally clicks into place.
So, grab your dictionaries, thesauri, and maybe even a cup of coffee (or tea, depending on your preference!). Let’s unravel this linguistic puzzle together. I’ll give you some hints to get you started, focusing on the various angles you can explore to arrive at the solution:
Think literally, then figuratively:
What does “closing” mean in a literal sense? Then, explore its figurative meanings.
Consider synonyms:
What are some synonyms for “closing”? How could these synonyms relate to “Sundays”?
Look for wordplay:
Is there a pun or hidden meaning within the words “closing on Sundays”?
Check the crossword’s theme (if any):
Sometimes the theme of the puzzle can provide valuable clues. Is there a consistent pattern or connection between other answers?
Pay attention to the word length:
The number of letters is crucial. This eliminates a vast number of potential answers.
I’m eager to hear your thoughts and approaches to solving this clue in the comments section below. Good luck, and happy puzzling! Let me know if you’ve cracked it! (But don’t spoil it for others just yet!)
Available Answers:
AMEN!.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 3 Jan 25, Friday