Decoding the Cryptic: When “Colon, at times” Stumps Your Crossword Clue
Every seasoned crossword solver knows the feeling: you’re cruising through your daily crossword, filling in answers with satisfying clicks, when suddenly you hit a wall. A short, seemingly simple crossword clue appears, innocent on the surface, but it brings your entire solving spree to a screeching halt. Today, we’re unpacking one such phrase that often sends even the most dedicated puzzle enthusiasts into a spiral of head-scratching: “Colon, at times.”
This isn’t just any ordinary crossword clue; it’s a masterclass in elegant misdirection, a hallmark of what makes solving crosswords so utterly addictive. The brilliance lies in its brevity and the subtle power of those two little words, “at times.”
When you encounter a crossword clue that includes phrases like “at times,” “sometimes,” “perhaps,” “briefly,” “for short,” or “informally,” your crossword brain should immediately shift gears. These aren’t just filler words; they are crucial linguistic indicators designed to point you away from the most obvious interpretation of the primary word. In this case, “Colon.”
Let’s consider “Colon.” In its most common usage, it’s a punctuation mark, signifying an introduction or a list. It also refers to a part of the human anatomy. And, less commonly, it’s a monetary unit or a former territory. A good crossword puzzle thrives on ambiguity, on words with multiple meanings, and on the unexpected. The addition of “at times” whispers, “Don’t think literal. Don’t think common. Think oblique.”
This is where the art of the crossword clue truly shines. “At times” signals that the answer isn’t the primary, formal, or even complete form of “Colon.” It’s likely a shorter version, an abbreviation, a slang term, a less common definition, or something derived from a particular
instance
or
usage
of a colon. It forces you to delve deeper into your vocabulary, to consider synonyms, homophones, or even homographs that might fit the context of the puzzle grid.
For a crossword clue like this, consider the various ways words can be truncated or used in a specialized context. Could it be an abbreviation commonly used in writing or medical fields? Could it be a colloquial term that only appears in certain phrases? Is it a sound or a part of a larger word that contains ‘colon’? The possibilities, while finite, are numerous enough to make finding the precise fit a delightful challenge.
Mastering such crossword clues is a huge step in improving your overall crossword puzzle solving skills. It teaches you to look beyond the obvious, to appreciate the nuance of language, and to recognize the subtle cues that constructors embed within their clues. Next time you face a similar “at times” indicator in your daily crossword, remember to pause, consider the less common definitions, and think about how the word might be shortened or used informally. This strategy often unlocks the solution and provides that satisfying “aha!” moment that keeps us coming back to the crossword grid day after day. Keep practicing, and those tricky crossword clues will start to unravel before your very eyes.
Available Answers:
ISTO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Christina Iverson / Ed. Patti Varol