That “Dangerous” Crossword Clue Got You, Didn’t It?
Welcome, fellow crossword enthusiasts! You’re here because you’ve been staring at that “Dangerous” crossword clue, perhaps muttering darkly under your breath. Fear not, you’re in excellent company. This seemingly simple word can be surprisingly slippery in the crossword world.
Crossword clues, especially those using single words like “Dangerous,” rely heavily on nuance and context. The constructor is playing with our understanding of the word, pushing us to think outside the most obvious synonyms. They might be hinting at a specific type of danger, a metaphorical interpretation, or even a slang usage.
The key to cracking these clues lies in dissecting the information we already possess. Consider the length of the answer. This is arguably the
most
crucial piece of the puzzle. Count those squares! A five-letter word representing “Dangerous” will obviously be different than an eight-letter word conveying the same concept. This eliminates a huge swathe of possibilities right off the bat.
Next, analyze any intersecting letters you’ve already solved in the grid. These are your lifelines. A single confirmed letter can dramatically narrow down the potential solutions. Try plugging different synonyms for “Dangerous” into the available spaces, seeing if any fit both the length and the existing letters. It’s like a mini-game within the larger crossword puzzle!
Think beyond the literal. Crossword clues frequently employ misdirection. Could the clue be referring to a dangerous profession? A dangerous substance? A dangerous animal? A dangerous situation? Expand your mental dictionary and consider the broadest range of possibilities. Don’t get stuck on the first, most obvious meaning that springs to mind.
Sometimes, the cleverness lies in a slightly archaic or less common usage of the word. The constructor might be reaching back into the etymological roots of “Dangerous” or drawing on a literary reference that uses the word in a specific way. A thesaurus can be your best friend in these situations. Explore synonyms you wouldn’t typically use in everyday conversation.
Don’t overlook the possibility of a hidden wordplay or pun. Crossword constructors are notorious for their linguistic trickery. Is there a homophone lurking in the clue? Could the clue be interpreted in a completely different way that leads to a unexpected solution? A fresh pair of eyes (or a short break!) can often help uncover these hidden layers.
Context is King (or Queen!). Look at the difficulty of the crossword puzzle as a whole. Is it a Monday, known for its easier clues, or a Saturday, renowned for its devilish complexity? This can give you a sense of the likelihood of obscure words, tricky wordplay, or more straightforward answers.
Finally, remember that even the most seasoned crossword solvers get stumped. Don’t get discouraged! The satisfaction of finally cracking a tough clue is all the sweeter for the effort. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and keep thinking outside the box. You’ll get there. And when you do, the solution will seem obvious in retrospect (that’s the best part!). Now, go forth and conquer that “Dangerous” crossword clue!
Available Answers:
PERILOUS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Wednesday’s Daily By Wendy L. Brandes / Ed. Patti Varol