Cross paths

Cross Paths: A Clue That’s Not Quite What It Seems

Ah, crossword clues. Sometimes they’re straightforward, a gentle breeze through the grid. Other times, they’re like a thorny thicket, leaving you tangled and confused. Today, we’re tackling a clue that fits squarely into the latter category: “Cross paths.”

On the surface, it seems simple enough. We’re looking for something that intersects, right? But crossword clues rarely play fair. This one, in particular, has a bit of a double meaning. It might be a simple synonym for “intersect,” or it could be something more figurative.

That’s where the fun begins! The trickiest part of solving crosswords is often figuring out the mindset of the setter. Are they looking for a literal answer, or a metaphorical one? Is there a hidden pun lurking within the clue itself?

Let’s break down the possibilities:

The literal approach:

We could be looking for a word that means “to intersect.” Perhaps a noun that represents a place where paths cross, like a “junction” or a “crossing.”

The figurative approach:

“Cross paths” could also refer to two people meeting unexpectedly, or even two different ideas or concepts coming together. This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities, including “encounter,” “intersection,” or “convergence.”

The real challenge lies in the context of the crossword itself. Is the surrounding grid filled with straightforward vocabulary, or is it teeming with tricky puns and wordplay?

The answer, my friends, is in the grid itself. So, grab your pencil, sharpen your wits, and let’s embark on a journey to unravel the mystery of “Cross paths.” Who knows what we might find along the way?

Available Answers:

MEET.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 17 Oct 24, Thursday