Ah, the delightful intellectual sparring a truly brilliant crossword clue offers! Today, we’re diving headfirst into one such gem that’s bound to have sparked a thoughtful furrow of the brow or two: “Goes after gray hairs, say.” This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a prime example of how constructors play with our expectations, nudging us towards the obvious before revealing a deeper, more satisfying layer of meaning.
When you first encounter a crossword clue like “Goes after gray hairs, say,” your mind might immediately leap to the literal. Perhaps you pictured someone meticulously plucking out stray strands, or a bottle of hair dye promising a vibrant return to youth. Maybe an anti-aging cream or a trendy salon treatment came to mind. These are all perfectly valid initial interpretations of the phrase itself, and precisely the kind of red herring a skilled crossword constructor loves to dangle. But the inclusion of that tiny, yet mighty, word “say” tells us we need to shift gears.
That little “say” is a classic crossword signal. It suggests we’re not looking for a direct, literal action or a concrete object. Instead, it’s often an indicator that the answer is an example of a broader category, a figurative expression, a common idiom, or perhaps even a specific type of person or thing that
exemplifies
the action described. It prompts us to look beyond the surface, to think metaphorically, or to consider a well-known phrase that encapsulates the sentiment rather than the explicit act. This is where the true fun of solving a challenging crossword clue begins.
Let’s dissect the components of this particular crossword clue further. “Goes after” implies a pursuit, an active seeking, or a desire to change or eliminate something. The target, “gray hairs,” squarely places the context within aging, appearance, or the perceived loss of youth. Combine “goes after” with “gray hairs,” and you have a vivid image. Now, re-introduce “say” and suddenly the landscape of potential answers broadens considerably. We’re searching for something that
represents
or
is an instance of
going after gray hairs, but not necessarily in the most straightforward, physical sense.
The brilliance of this specific crossword clue lies in its ability to simultaneously be perfectly accurate and delightfully misdirecting. It forces you to consider the nuances of language, the double meanings, and the cultural associations we have with aging and the desire to counteract it. Are we looking for a noun? An adjective? A verb phrase that, when applied to a specific context, takes on this meaning? The possibilities, initially daunting, begin to narrow as you apply the various “rules” of crossword clue interpretation.
Successfully tackling a crossword clue like this requires a certain lateral thinking. It’s about stepping back from your first impulse and asking, “What else could this mean?” “What common expressions relate to this idea?” “Is there a single word or a compound word that elegantly captures this entire concept?” It’s a testament to the power of concise language, where a few well-chosen words can evoke a rich tapestry of associations and lead you to that satisfying “aha!” moment. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in elegant misdirection, rewarding those who are patient enough to peel back the layers of its clever construction. It’s a joy to encounter such a thoughtfully crafted piece of wordplay.
Available Answers:
DYES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Universal Freestyle 191 By Ryan Mathiason