Wailing Woes: Cracking the “Cries Plaintively” Clue
Ah, the crossword puzzle. A daily dose of brain-tickling delight, a mental workout disguised as a leisurely pastime. But sometimes, even the most seasoned solver can get stumped. And when that happens, it’s time to call in the cavalry – our trusty crossword clue-cracking skills!
Today’s focus is a clue that often sends solvers into a fit of furrowed brows: “Cries plaintively.” It’s a seemingly straightforward clue, but it can hide a surprising range of answers. Let’s dive in and unravel the possible solutions, exploring the nuances of this deceptively simple phrase.
Unpacking the Clue
“Cries plaintively” implies a certain emotional state – one of sadness, sorrow, or longing. The word “plaintively” itself evokes a sense of yearning, a deep-seated need for something to be different. It suggests a voice filled with despair, with a hint of desperation.
Possible Approaches
The beauty of crossword clues is their ability to be multi-faceted. “Cries plaintively” could be interpreted in various ways, leading to several potential answers.
Directly:
We might look for words that directly signify a plaintive cry. Think of words like “wail,” “moan,” or “sob.” These are straightforward and instantly evoke the desired emotion.
Figuratively:
The clue could be a metaphorical representation of something else entirely. Perhaps it refers to a sound made by a specific object, or a natural phenomenon that evokes a sense of sadness.
Literary references:
This is where things get interesting! The clue could be a reference to a famous literary work or a piece of music known for its plaintive tone.
Navigating the Clues
To crack this clue, we need to consider the surrounding clues in the crossword grid. What are the intersecting words? Are there any themes in the puzzle that might provide a hint? The more context we can gather, the clearer the path to the solution will become.
Ready to solve?
We’ve laid out the groundwork. Now it’s your turn to delve into the world of “Cries Plaintively” and uncover the hidden answer. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
WAILS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 1 Sep 24, Sunday