Just Missed It: Deconstructing a Tricky Crossword Clue
Crossword puzzles. Aren’t they just the
best
? A daily dose of mental gymnastics, a satisfying scratch of the intellectual itch. Some days, the grids fall effortlessly, words tumbling into place like perfectly aligned dominoes. Other days… well, other days the puzzle fights back. Vigorously.
Today’s victim? A seemingly innocuous clue: “Doesn’t make the podium.”
Immediately, the mental wheels start turning. Podium. What’s a podium used for? Awards ceremonies, speeches, sometimes even just a place to stand and be seen. Okay, so the clue refers to someone
not
achieving that level of visibility or recognition. They’re not the victor, not the speaker, not the star.
The challenge lies in the subtle nuance. It’s not simply about
losing
, although that’s certainly a factor. It’s about missing the mark in a specific way. Consider the context of competitive events. What are the consequences of failing to ascend to the podium? Disappointment, of course. But also, a lack of tangible reward, a missed opportunity for glory, a fading into the background.
The cleverness of this clue is in its indirectness. It doesn’t explicitly state “loser” or “defeated.” It hints at the broader implications of failing to secure a top-tier position. It’s about the subtle sting of knowing you were
close
, but not quite close enough.
We need to consider a range of possibilities. Are we looking for a verb implying failure? A noun describing someone who didn’t succeed? An adjective characterizing the state of being just outside the winner’s circle? The possibilities are surprisingly diverse.
Think about various scenarios where a podium is involved. Olympic games? Political rallies? Public speaking engagements? Each scenario brings a different shade of meaning to the clue. In sports, it might be about missing the bronze medal. In politics, failing to secure a nomination. In public speaking, perhaps getting passed over for a keynote address.
The length of the answer, indicated by the number of squares in the grid, is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It immediately eliminates many potential solutions. A short answer will likely be a concise description of the action, while a longer answer might describe the resulting state or the individual experiencing it.
Furthermore, consider the overall theme of the crossword puzzle. Are there other clues related to competition, achievement, or public recognition? If so, the answer to “Doesn’t make the podium” might align with that theme in a subtle but significant way.
This clue demands a shift in perspective. Instead of focusing solely on the act of
losing
, we need to explore the broader consequences and emotions associated with missing the podium. It requires us to consider not just what
didn’t
happen, but also what
could have
happened.
Available Answers:
LOSES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Susan Gelfand / Ed. Patti Varol