Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of encountering a particularly well-crafted crossword clue that makes you pause, ponder, and perhaps even crack a smile. Today, we’re diving into one such intriguing challenge that recently caught my eye: “
Cowardly Lion or Scarecrow, probably?“.
Now, if you’re anything like me, your mind immediately leaped to a certain yellow brick road and a plucky young girl from Kansas.
The Wizard of Oz
provides a rich tapestry of characters, and the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow are undoubtedly among the most beloved. But when they appear together in a crossword clue, it’s rarely just about naming the characters themselves. Crossword clues of this nature often demand a deeper level of analysis, a search for shared characteristics, categories, or even a metaphorical connection.
What makes this particular crossword clue so engaging? First, the classic literary reference provides an instant grounding. We all know these characters. We know their personalities, their aspirations, and their journey. The Scarecrow longs for a brain, the Lion for courage. They are companions on a quest, each seeking something vital they believe they lack. The “or” in the clue is a crucial element. It suggests that the answer applies equally well to either the Lion or the Scarecrow, implying a common descriptive term, a shared role, or a collective identity within the narrative. It’s not asking for one or the other as a singular entity, but rather what they
represent
together, or what kind of
thing
they both are.
Then there’s the “probably?”. This little word adds a delightful layer of ambiguity, a subtle nudge that the answer might not be a perfectly literal fit, but rather a descriptor that’s generally applicable. It’s the kind of linguistic nuance that makes a good crossword clue truly shine, forcing you to think beyond the obvious and consider synonyms, broader classifications, or even slightly abstract terms. It hints that the word we’re looking for might be a little bit out of left field, but perfectly logical once you land on it.
When tackling such a crossword clue, my approach often involves brainstorming a web of associations. What else defines these two iconic figures? They are not human, but they possess human-like desires and emotions. They are allegorical figures, each representing a facet of humanity or a virtue (or perceived lack thereof). They are loyal friends. They are
types
of characters within a fantasy story. The asterisk preceding the clue also often indicates a specific type of entry, perhaps a themed answer, or a word that might have a particular characteristic within the puzzle’s larger design. Paying attention to these subtle cues can sometimes unlock the entire puzzle’s theme.
The beauty of a well-constructed crossword clue lies in its ability to simultaneously guide and misdirect. You’re given enough information to start your search, but the path isn’t always straight. For this one, we’re looking for a word that elegantly captures a shared essence between these two memorable figures. It could be a noun, an adjective, or even a descriptive phrase that sums up their common ground, or what they functionally are within the story’s context.
So, take a moment. Ponder the Lion’s search for courage, the Scarecrow’s desire for intellect. Think about their journey, their relationship with Dorothy, and their overall portrayal in Baum’s classic tale. What word or phrase perfectly encapsulates what they both
are
or
represent
in a way that satisfies this intriguing crossword clue? The answer, I promise, is as satisfying as finding the last piece of a tricky jigsaw puzzle. Happy puzzling, and keep those brain cells buzzing!
Available Answers:
TINMANSBESTFRIEND.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Chandi Deitmer / Ed. Patti Varol