The moment you spot a
crossword clue
that’s more than just a simple definition, you know you’re in for a treat. It’s that exhilarating mental stretch, the satisfying click as the pieces fall into place. Today’s spotlight shines on one such ingenious entry that perfectly encapsulates the joy of wordplay: “Cocktail party staple that may contain the ends of 17-, 25-, 38-, 42- and 55-Across.”
This isn’t just any ordinary
crossword clue
; it’s a masterful display of the constructor’s craft, weaving together multiple puzzle elements into one elegant solution. At first glance, the “Cocktail party staple” part might lead you down a dozen different paths. Is it a drink? A type of food? A piece of serving ware? The options are endless, and that’s precisely where the brilliance of a well-designed
crossword clue
begins to unfold. It offers a broad, seemingly vague definition, compelling you to look for more specific hints.
And those hints are exactly what the second half of this
crossword clue
provides. “That may contain the ends of 17-, 25-, 38-, 42- and 55-Across.” Ah, now we’re talking! This immediately signals a classic crossword device: a hidden word or a thematic reveal derived from other entries in the grid. This type of
crossword clue
forces you to work backwards, or rather, forwards through the grid, ensuring you’ve solved those other referenced clues first. It’s a wonderful example of how the entire puzzle is interconnected, making the final grand reveal even more rewarding.
The beauty of a
crossword clue
like this lies in its layered nature. You can’t just guess; you must engage with the larger tapestry of the puzzle. First, you’ll need to meticulously fill in the answers for 17-Across, 25-Across, 38-Across, 42-Across, and 55-Across. Only then can you extract the crucial last letter from each of those solutions. Once you’ve gathered those final letters, the real magic happens. What do they spell? What do they combine to form? And how does that combination relate to a “Cocktail party staple”?
This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic brain-teaser because it combines general knowledge (what’s a common party item?) with intricate wordplay mechanics (extracting letters from other answers). It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you appreciate the constructor’s creativity and the meticulous planning that goes into a truly excellent puzzle. It also serves as a prime example of why we love crosswords: they challenge us to think outside the box, connect seemingly disparate pieces of information, and ultimately, find that perfect word that ties everything together.
So, if you’ve been staring at this specific
crossword clue
, wondering about its solution, take a moment to appreciate the journey it’s sending you on. It’s more than just a blank space to fill; it’s an invitation to explore the clever design of the entire puzzle. The satisfaction of cracking a multi-faceted
crossword clue
like this is unparalleled, a testament to the power of observation and deduction. Ready to uncover the mystery that ties those ends together into a perfect party essential?
Available Answers:
CHEESE BOARD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0811-25 NY Times Crossword 11 Aug 25, Monday