Welcome back, fellow word sleuths! There are some crossword clues that, at first glance, seem utterly straightforward, almost too simple. You glance at them, a smile plays on your lips, and you think, “Got it!” But then, as you try to fit your first thought into the grid, the crossers just don’t align. Sound familiar? Today, we’re diving into the delightful deception of two such common crossword clue types that regularly trip up even the most seasoned solvers: “Friend or family member” and “Clichéd.”
Let’s tackle “Friend or family member” first. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in ambiguity. On the surface, it’s asking for a person connected to you by either blood or bond. Easy, right? You might immediately think of various synonyms for “friend” – buddy, pal, mate – or for “family member” – relative, kin, sibling. But the beauty, or perhaps the torment, of this crossword clue lies in its breadth. The solution could be a general term encompassing both, or it could be a highly specific one that happens to fit the context of the surrounding letters. Is it a broad category or a more intimate connection? The ‘or’ is key here, indicating that the answer must satisfy either condition, sometimes simultaneously. It’s a classic example of how a simple crossword clue can demand a nuanced understanding of synonyms, relationships, and the subtle art of how constructors lead you down a garden path. This common crossword clue demands that you consider not just the obvious, but the less common ways we categorize our nearest and dearest. It’s a delightful challenge that reminds us why we love solving crosswords.
Then there’s “Clichéd.” Oh, “Clichéd”! This is another crossword clue that appears disarmingly simple. We all know what clichéd means, don’t we? Something overused, unoriginal, perhaps even eye-roll inducing. The initial thoughts might flock to synonyms like “trite” or “hackneyed.” But like “Friend or family member,” this crossword clue holds layers. Is the puzzle seeking a direct synonym, or a word that
describes
something clichéd? Is it looking for a noun that represents a cliché, or an adjective for something that
is
clichéd? The precise spelling, the number of letters, and the surrounding grid entries are absolutely vital here. A “clichéd” crossword clue often forces you to dig a little deeper into your vocabulary, pulling out less common but perfectly valid alternatives for something that has, frankly, been done to death. It’s a common occurrence in crosswords to find that what seems like a simple descriptor can have a surprisingly diverse range of possible solutions, making this type of crossword clue surprisingly potent. It’s a reminder that even the most straightforward concepts can hide a trove of linguistic possibilities for the discerning solver.
Both of these types of crossword clues – “Friend or family member” and “Clichéd” – share a common thread: their apparent simplicity belies a rich potential for multiple valid answers, depending entirely on the surrounding grid and the constructor’s specific intent. They are prime examples of how a well-crafted crossword clue can make you think beyond the first obvious solution. Understanding the various angles a constructor might take with these seemingly benign prompts is key to mastering your daily crossword puzzle.
In the rest of this post, we’ll explore specific examples and strategies for deciphering these tricky but common crossword clue types, ensuring you’re never stumped by their clever misdirection again. Let’s dig in and turn those head-scratching moments into satisfying “aha!” revelations.
Available Answers:
LOVED ONE / OVERDONE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0703-25 NY Times Crossword 3 Jul 25, Thursday