“Gum Ball, Say” – A Crossword Clue That’s a Real Jaw Dropper
Today’s crossword clue is a real head-scratcher, folks. It’s one of those that makes you want to grab a big ol’ bag of gum and chew on it while you ponder the answer. The clue itself is simple enough: “Gum ball, say.” But don’t be fooled by its simplicity! This clue has got layers, like a delicious onion.
The first thing that comes to mind is the literal meaning – a gum ball. But, the clue throws in that extra “say” to make us think. It’s like the crossword is whispering, “There’s more to this than meets the eye.”
So, how do we crack this cryptic clue? We need to think outside the gum ball machine and into the realm of wordplay. This is where our crossword muscles come in! Let’s break down the elements of the clue and see what we can uncover.
First, “gum ball” itself is a noun, but the clue uses the phrase “say” which implies a verb. This tells us we need to find a verb related to gum balls. Maybe it’s an action one might perform with a gum ball, or perhaps it’s a word that sounds like “gum ball” when spoken.
Second, the inclusion of “say” suggests some form of verbalization or utterance. Maybe we need to think of a phrase or sound that is synonymous with “gum ball.”
Third, we need to remember that crossword clues often play with homophones – words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings. Could “gum ball” have a homophone that would fit the context of the clue?
Finally, don’t discount the possibility of a more abstract interpretation. Maybe “gum ball” is a metaphor for something else entirely, and the clue is leading us down a path of figurative language.
This clue is a real puzzler, but I’m confident we can figure it out. Grab your pencils and let’s get to work! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and guesses in the comments below. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
WAD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 18 Sep 24, Wednesday