When a crossword clue presents itself with “e.g.” appended, seasoned crossword puzzle enthusiasts immediately recognize a particular style of wordplay. This concise Latin abbreviation, short for
exempli gratia
, serves a vital function in the world of puzzle solving: it signals that the desired answer is but one instance from a broader category, with the preceding word or phrase defining that category. For a crossword clue like “Clue, e.g.“, the “e.g.” becomes a beacon, directing the solver to think beyond the literal definition and consider what larger group “Clue” belongs to.
The term “Clue” itself, in the context of a crossword clue, most often refers to the iconic board game, a staple of family game nights and a popular subject for wordplay in crosswords. This beloved mystery game, with its cast of colorful characters, intriguing weapon choices, and distinct room layout, offers a rich vein for crossword puzzle setters. When “Clue, e.g.” appears, the solver’s mental database shifts to recall other famous, classic, or popular board games of a similar ilk. The challenge then becomes identifying which specific crossword clue example fits the allotted spaces and intersects cleanly with other solved entries in the grid.
Such a crossword clue is a testament to the elegant economy of puzzle solving. It doesn’t ask for an obscure fact or a complex anagram; instead, it tests a solver’s general knowledge and their ability to categorize. The “e.g.” mechanism is a common, fair play element in daily crosswords, designed to guide rather than mislead. It requires a specific kind of thinking: not just knowing what “Clue”
is
, but knowing what other things are
like
“Clue”. Are we thinking of other mystery games? Other abstract strategy games? Other classic parlor games? The context of the surrounding letters in the crossword puzzle grid often provides the crucial nudge towards the correct sub-category.
The beauty of this type of crossword clue lies in its simplicity yet potential for depth. While seemingly straightforward, it often prompts a momentary pause as solvers cycle through mental lists of possibilities. It’s a foundational crossword clue structure that many new puzzle solving enthusiasts encounter early in their journey, teaching them a fundamental principle of crossword puzzle logic: that clues often point to examples rather than exhaustive lists. Mastering the interpretation of “e.g.” is a significant step in developing fluency with various crossword clue patterns. It underscores how every element, even a tiny abbreviation, carries significant weight in directing the solver through the intricate web of a crossword puzzle. The journey from “Clue, e.g.” to the correct answer is a small, satisfying victory in the larger quest of completing the grid, showcasing the blend of general knowledge and analytical thinking essential to effective crossword puzzle solving.
Available Answers:
GAME.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Jeffrey Martinovic / Ed. Patti Varol