Deep Fears? Unraveling This Cryptic Crossword Clue
Ah, the joy (and sometimes, frustration) of a good crossword puzzle. That moment when you’ve wrestled with a particularly tricky clue, the answer finally dawns on you, and you feel a surge of triumph. But what about those clues that leave you scratching your head, staring blankly at the grid, whispering “What in the world…?”
Today, we’re diving into one such clue, a real brain twister:
“Deep Fears?”
This one has me stumped, and I know I’m not alone. It’s a perfect example of how a seemingly simple phrase can mask a clever, multi-layered answer.
Let’s dissect this cryptic clue.
“Deep”
: This suggests a profound or hidden aspect. It could refer to something buried in our subconscious, a fear that runs deep.
“Fears”
: This is the obvious part, but is there a twist? Do we need to consider synonyms or alternate meanings of “fear”?
“?”
: This question mark adds an element of uncertainty. The answer might be a question itself, or it could be something that evokes a sense of fear or doubt.
So, how do we unravel this cryptic puzzle? Let’s brainstorm some possible avenues:
Wordplay
: Is there a pun or wordplay hidden within the clue? Could “Deep Fears” be a hidden phrase or a word that’s been cleverly disguised?
Synonyms and associations
: Are there synonyms for “deep” or “fears” that could lead us to the answer?
Context
: Do other clues in the puzzle offer hints or a theme that could shed light on this clue?
I’m going to keep working on this one, and I encourage you to do the same. Let’s crack this cryptic puzzle together!
Share your thoughts in the comments below! What are your initial guesses? Have you encountered this clue before?
Available Answers:
SEA SERPENTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 7 Sep 24, Saturday