Hello, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! There are some crossword clues that, from the moment you lay eyes on them, just sing. They hint at something bigger, a meta-layer that elevates the entire solving experience. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one such gem: “Forming couples, or a feature of 17-, 25-, 36-, and 50- Across.”
Now, this isn’t your everyday “seven-letter word for ‘happy'” kind of crossword clue. Oh no. This is the kind of entry that truly defines a puzzle, challenging you to not just fill in letters but to unlock a deeper understanding of the constructor’s brilliant design. Whenever you see a clue like this – one that explicitly references other entries in the grid – you know you’re in for a thematic treat. It’s a meta-puzzle within the puzzle, and for many of us, cracking this kind of overarching theme is the pinnacle of solving a crossword.
The beauty of this particular crossword clue lies in its dual nature. “Forming couples” immediately sets a specific expectation. It tells us that the individual answers at 17-, 25-, 36-, and 50- Across aren’t just standalone words or phrases; they are linked, perhaps literally or figuratively, by the concept of pairs. This is a crucial piece of guidance, a roadmap to the constructor’s intent. Without this guiding crossword clue, those four long answers might seem disparate, perhaps just clever wordplay on their own. But with it, we’re primed to look for a common thread, a shared characteristic that makes them all part of a cohesive set.
So, how does one approach a thematic crossword clue like this? My strategy usually involves a multi-pronged attack. First, I focus on solving as many of the surrounding intersecting clues as possible to get a foothold into 17-, 25-, 36-, and 50- Across. These long entries are often the toughest to crack without some initial letters, but every letter revealed is a step closer to understanding the theme. As letters emerge, I start looking for patterns within those longer answers. Are they all specific types of nouns? Do they share a phonetic element? Are they puns? The possibilities are endless, and that’s part of the fun of any good crossword clue.
Once I have a good handle on some of those individual themed entries, I circle back to our main thematic crossword clue: “Forming couples.” I re-read it, letting its essence sink in. How does “forming couples” relate to the emerging answers? Is each individual answer
itself
a “couple”? Or do they collectively
form
pairs when understood in a certain light? The specific wording of this crossword clue is critical; it’s not just a generic “category” hint, but a very precise instruction about the
nature
of the theme.
The ultimate satisfaction comes when the pieces finally click into place. You look at 17-, 25-, 36-, and 50- Across, and suddenly, guided by that marvelous “Forming couples” crossword clue, their connection becomes crystal clear. It’s that exhilarating “aha!” moment when the entire grid seems to light up, revealing the elegant structure the constructor so carefully crafted. It’s moments like these that remind us why we dedicate hours to deciphering every intricate crossword clue and every clever wordplay. This particular crossword clue is a testament to the artistry of crossword construction, turning what could be a simple fill-in-the-blanks exercise into a delightful journey of discovery. What a truly delightful challenge this type of crossword clue presents!
Available Answers:
PAIRINGUP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Monday’s Daily By Ajay Bhargava / Ed. Patti Varol