Oh, the joy, the agony! There’s nothing quite like staring down a particularly enigmatic
crossword clue
that makes your brain do a triple-somersault. Some days, they’re straightforward, a gentle jog for the mind. Other days, they’re a cryptic masterpiece designed to make you question everything you thought you knew about language and logic. Today, friends, we’ve encountered one of the latter, a true head-scratcher that has been the talk of many a
crossword solver
forum: “Follower of waste and want.”
Just reading it aloud sends shivers down the spine, doesn’t it? It’s poetic, almost philosophical, and utterly bewildering. This isn’t your average “three-letter word for a domestic feline.” No, this
crossword clue
demands more; it demands contemplation, a deep dive into semantics, and perhaps even a touch of existential pondering. When a daily
crossword clue
lands like this, you know you’re in for a good puzzle.
Let’s unpack the components. We have “waste” and we have “want.” These two words, on their own, carry significant weight. “Waste” immediately conjures images of depletion, excess, things discarded, squandered resources, or even barren landscapes. It speaks to an endpoint, a loss, a consequence of unchecked consumption or negligence. Environmentally, economically, personally – waste is a concept fraught with meaning. It’s the residue, the forgotten, the void left behind. A good
crossword clue
often plays on these deeper meanings.
Then there’s “want.” This word is a fascinating duality in itself. It can mean a strong desire, a yearning for something deeply felt, a craving. But it also means a lack, a deficiency, a state of deprivation or poverty. “To be in want” is to be without necessities. So, are we talking about the craving that drives consumption, or the emptiness that results from not having enough? This dual nature makes for a particularly potent piece of wordplay, typical of a challenging
crossword clue
.
Now, combine them: “waste and want.” What kind of relationship do they have? Do they exist in tandem, two sides of the same coin? Does one lead to the other? Is “want” the desire that causes “waste,” or is “want” the state of lack that arises
from
“waste”? The very ambiguity is what makes this
crossword clue
so brilliant and so frustrating for any dedicated
crossword solver
.
And then, the kicker: “Follower of.” This isn’t just “waste and want” itself, but something that
follows
them. What could follow such profound concepts? Is it a consequence? A devotee? A period of time? A personification? Is it something that literally comes after them in a sequence, or something that adheres to their principles or path? The “follower” aspect transforms an already complex pairing into a full-blown mental gymnastics routine. Every good
crossword clue
has a hidden turn.
This isn’t a simple vocabulary test; it’s a masterclass in inference and association. We’re looking for a single word, or perhaps a short phrase, that perfectly encapsulates this multifaceted relationship and the idea of something trailing in its wake. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that can stall your entire morning puzzle session, leaving you staring blankly at the grid, convinced that the answer is right there, just out of reach.
For those of us who love a good mental workout, this type of
crossword clue
is a gift. It pushes us to think beyond the obvious, to explore synonyms and antonyms, to consider metaphorical connections, and to really appreciate the depth and flexibility of the English language. It’s why we keep coming back to the daily
crossword puzzle
, isn’t it? For the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of that “aha!” moment.
So, take a moment. Ponder “Follower of waste and want.” What comes to mind? What are your initial guesses for this perplexing
crossword clue
? We’ve all been there, scratching our heads, convinced there are a dozen possible answers and yet none feel quite right. This particular
crossword clue
certainly demands a certain lateral thinking. Don’t worry, we’ll delve into the solution and the ingenious wordplay that makes it all click into place, but for now, let’s savour the mystery.
Available Answers:
NOT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0907-25 NY Times Crossword 7 Sep 25, Sunday