There’s a special kind of thrill that courses through every seasoned crossword solver when they encounter a truly brilliant, multi-layered clue. It’s not just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the artistry, the wordplay, and the sheer ingenuity woven into the puzzle’s fabric. Today, we’re diving into one such gem that’s bound to spark conversation and admiration among anyone who loves a good mental workout. This particular crossword clue isn’t just a question; it’s an invitation to a linguistic scavenger hunt, a testament to the constructor’s cleverness.
The clue in question reads: “Fares at McDonald’s and KFC … or a literal description of 17-, 29- and 47-Across.”
Immediately, this single crossword clue presents two distinct avenues for thought, each pulling us in a different direction before ultimately converging. Let’s break down the layers of this fascinating puzzle, exploring how such a cleverly constructed crossword clue challenges and delights us.
The first part, “Fares at McDonald’s and KFC,” immediately sends our minds racing through a mental menu board. What kind of items populate these fast-food giants? We think burgers, fries, nuggets, sandwiches, wraps, buckets, sides, desserts, drinks. The initial instinct when faced with this part of the crossword clue is to list common fast-food offerings, perhaps searching for a general term that encompasses them all. Is it “menu items”? “Meals”? “Orders”? This is where many a crossword solver might begin, grappling with the breadth of fast-food “fares.” It’s a classic misdirection, guiding us toward a general concept while the real magic lies in the second half of this complex crossword clue.
But then comes the “… or a literal description of 17-, 29- and 47-Across.” This is where the crossword clue elevates itself from a simple recall challenge to a masterpiece of interconnected wordplay. This secondary instruction signals that the answer to our primary crossword clue isn’t just
related
to fast food; it
describes
the answers to three other clues within the very same puzzle grid. This is the kind of intricate design that makes a daily crossword clue so satisfying. It demands not just vocabulary, but an understanding of the entire grid as a cohesive unit.
To solve this part of the crossword clue, you first need to have successfully tackled clues 17-Across, 29-Across, and 47-Across. Once those words are revealed, you then look for a unifying concept, a single word or phrase that literally
describes
what those three answers
are
. This isn’t just about a synonym or a category; it’s about a precise, direct definition. The “aha!” moment comes when you realize that the word that encompasses fast-food “fares”
also
perfectly fits the description of the other three entries. It’s a linguistic tightrope walk, and the constructor has nailed it.
Decoding a complex crossword clue like this requires patience, a keen eye for detail, and an appreciation for the subtle nuances of language. It demonstrates how a good crossword clue can engage different parts of our brain, shifting from general knowledge to specific textual analysis. The beauty lies in how the two seemingly disparate parts of the clue—fast-food items and literal descriptions of other answers—are masterfully united by a single, elegant solution. It’s not just about filling in squares; it’s about unraveling a small, self-contained puzzle within the larger puzzle.
For those who revel in a good crossword clue, this one serves as a prime example of expert craftsmanship. It’s a testament to the fact that even in a world saturated with information, there’s still immense joy to be found in the structured challenge of a well-crafted crossword puzzle clue. It compels us to think, to connect, and ultimately, to marvel at the cleverness of language itself. Such a fascinating crossword clue reminds us why we keep coming back to the grid, day after day, year after year.
Available Answers:
FAST FOODS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1013-25 NY Times Crossword 13 Oct 25, Monday