Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a delightful challenge that recently popped up on my grid: the intriguing
crossword clue
“Goes blond, say.” Ah, the magic of the little word “say” – it’s often the key that unlocks the cleverness behind a truly great
crossword clue
, and this one is no exception. It immediately signals that we’re not just looking for a simple synonym for dyeing hair, but rather a broader concept for which “going blond” is merely one illustrative example.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection and lateral thinking. When we encounter a phrase like “Goes blond,” our minds, quite naturally, gravitate towards hair salons, peroxide, and dramatic makeovers. But the addition of “say” compels us to pause. What other things, besides hair, can undergo a transformation that “going blond” might represent? What kind of verb or verb phrase encompasses a change in appearance, status, or even identity? This is where the true fun of solving a
crossword clue
like this begins.
Consider the spectrum of possibilities. “Going blond” is a visual alteration, a shift in color. Could the answer refer to any kind of change in outward presentation? Perhaps a more general term for altering one’s look, or even altering something else entirely? The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to nudge your brain towards a specific path, only to reveal that the destination is much wider than you initially imagined. We’re looking for a verb that suggests a significant change, a new phase, or a complete overhaul, using “goes blond” as just one specific instance among many.
When tackling such a
crossword clue
, I always advise solvers to first strip away the specific example and focus on the underlying action. What is the core idea of “going blond”? It’s about changing, transforming, adopting a new guise. It implies a departure from a previous state. Now, think broadly: what else
changes
its appearance or characteristics? Could it be a document that undergoes an alteration? A character in a story who experiences a profound shift? A building that gets a new facade? A car that’s given a fresh coat of paint? The possibilities, once you detach from the literal “blond” aspect, start to multiply. This is the kind of mental exercise that makes every daily
crossword clue
a rewarding adventure.
The compiler’s genius here lies in choosing an example that is both vivid and common, yet elastic enough to represent a host of other transformations. It’s a challenge to find that single word or phrase that captures the essence of “changing one’s fundamental look or nature,” for which going blond is just one very visible manifestation. This
crossword clue
isn’t simply about vocabulary; it’s about understanding the subtle nuances of verbs that denote alteration, revision, or even a complete reimagining. It forces you to think beyond the obvious and embrace the abstract.
So, how do you approach a
crossword clue
that asks you to generalize from a specific, everyday example? You brainstorm categories of change. You consider synonyms for “transform,” “alter,” “modify,” but with an eye toward a word that perfectly fits the length and letter patterns of the grid. This particular
crossword clue
might seem simple at first glance, but its “say” adds layers of complexity, ensuring a satisfying “aha!” moment when the correct solution finally clicks into place. It’s a quintessential example of how compilers delight in playful deception, making us work just a little harder to uncover their hidden gems. Unlocking these kinds of
crossword clues
is truly one of the greatest joys of the puzzle-solving experience. Get ready to stretch your mental muscles and unravel the cleverness of this fantastic
crossword clue
!
Available Answers:
DYES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Themeless Sunday 159 By Amie Walker