Welcome back, fellow word nerds and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cracking a really clever crossword clue, is there? Today, we’re diving into a prime example of a clue that might initially make you scratch your head, but then, with a little linguistic gymnastics, reveals itself to be utterly brilliant. We’re talking about the deceptively simple yet wonderfully precise crossword clue: “Hangs out, with ‘around'”.
This particular crossword clue is a fantastic specimen for several reasons. For starters, it plays directly into the nuances of English phrasal verbs – those delightful combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb that often create a meaning quite different from the individual words. “Hangs out” itself is a classic phrasal verb, meaning to spend time idly or casually with others. But the crucial addition, “with ‘around'”, is what elevates this particular crossword clue from a straightforward synonym search to a mini-linguistic challenge.
When you encounter a crossword clue like this in your daily crossword puzzle, the “with ‘around'” isn’t just flavour text; it’s a vital instruction, a literal hint about the structure of the answer you’re seeking. It tells you that the word you need to find is a verb that, when combined with the word “around,” perfectly captures the essence of “hanging out.” This is where many solvers might initially stumble, perhaps thinking of general synonyms for “hangs out” without giving enough weight to the accompanying preposition. But the beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its precision. Every word matters.
Consider the common struggle: you’re trying to solve crossword clues, and you’ve got a blank space. Your brain immediately starts churning through synonyms for “hangs out”:
loiters, idles, lingers, socializes, chills
. All valid meanings in their own right, but none perfectly fit the
structure
demanded by “with ‘around'”. This is the genius of a challenging crossword clue – it forces you to think beyond surface-level definitions and delve into the idiomatic heart of the language. It’s not just about what a word means, but how it
functions
within a phrase.
Understanding how to tackle such a tricky crossword clue is a hallmark of an advanced crossword solver. It requires you to look for a base verb that perfectly completes the phrase [BLANK] “around” to convey the meaning of “hangs out.” This kind of clue often appears in various forms, testing your knowledge of phrasal verbs, idioms, and compound words. It’s a testament to the richness of English and the cleverness of crossword constructors that they can distill such complex linguistic concepts into a concise, elegant clue.
So, the next time you’re faced with a similar crossword clue, remember the power of those little prepositions and adverbs. They’re not just there for show; they are the signposts guiding you to the precise answer. They transform a seemingly simple request for a synonym into a delightful puzzle about verbal construction. This particular crossword clue is a fantastic workout for your vocabulary and your understanding of how words combine to create specific meanings. It reminds us why we love these word puzzles so much – they constantly push us to think differently about language. Stay tuned, because understanding clues like these is key to mastering any crossword puzzle!
Available Answers:
PALS ….
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1115-25 NY Times Crossword 15 Nov 25, Saturday