The Crossword Crucible: When a Clue Demands an Ending
The daily crossword. A mental sparring match. A linguistic labyrinth. And at the heart of it all, the crossword clue, that cryptic whisper hinting at a hidden word. Today, we’re dissecting a clue that resonates with finality, a sense of closure: “Finish with.”
This seemingly simple phrase packs a surprising punch in the crossword world. It invites us to consider not just the action of ending something, but also the
manner
in which that ending occurs. Is it a clean break? A gradual fade? A decisive culmination? The nuance is key.
The challenge with “Finish with” lies in its open-endedness. Unlike clues that specify length or thematic connections, this one relies heavily on implication and our understanding of synonyms for “end.” We need to think about what
types
of endings might be represented.
Consider the various contexts in which we use the word “finish.” We finish a race, a meal, a project, a relationship. Each of these scenarios carries a different weight and suggests different possible solutions. A race might be finished with a sprint, a meal with a dessert, a project with a presentation, and a relationship with a difficult conversation.
Furthermore, “Finish with” could indicate the
tool
or
method
used to bring something to a close. A carpenter might finish with sandpaper. A writer might finish with a flourish. A painter might finish with a varnish. This angle opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.
Beyond the direct synonyms, we must also consider idiomatic expressions that convey the idea of finishing. Phrases like “call it a day,” “wrap it up,” or “put a lid on it” all fall under the umbrella of “Finish with,” albeit in a more figurative sense. The trick is to determine if the crossword puzzle constructor is leaning towards a literal interpretation or a more playful, metaphorical one.
To effectively tackle this type of clue, we must employ a combination of strategies:
Contextual Clues:
Scrutinize the surrounding clues and the grid itself. Already filled-in letters can provide vital hints and narrow down the potential solutions. Pay attention to the overall theme of the puzzle, if any. Is it a themed puzzle about literature, history, or pop culture? This might guide you towards a more specific answer.
Synonym Scramble:
Brainstorm a list of words that mean “finish,” “end,” “complete,” or “conclude.” Then, consider how each of those words might be used
in conjunction with
something else. This helps to translate the “Finish with” aspect of the clue.
Letter Count Awareness:
Don’t overlook the obvious! The number of spaces available in the grid is a crucial piece of information. Knowing the required length of the word drastically reduces the pool of potential answers.
Crosswordese Considerations:
Be mindful of common crossword puzzle words and abbreviations. These frequently appear and can often provide a breakthrough when you’re stuck. Familiarize yourself with frequently used terms to improve your overall solving speed.
Ultimately, cracking the “Finish with” crossword clue requires a blend of vocabulary, lateral thinking, and a dash of intuition. It’s a reminder that the beauty of crosswords lies not just in knowing the answers, but in the satisfying process of uncovering them. So, sharpen your pencils, engage your mind, and prepare to wrestle with this intriguing clue until the satisfying click of the final letter falling into place.
Available Answers:
ENDON.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Kyle Beakley & David Levinson Wilk / Ed. Patti Varol