Hard Decision! Another Brain-Bender Cracked (Or Almost…)
Welcome back, crossword aficionados! Today we’re tackling a particularly thorny clue that had me, and seemingly half the internet, scratching our heads. This one fell squarely into the “hard decision” category, forcing a serious mental workout and a deep dive into the realms of possible meanings.
We’re talking, of course, about
that
clue. You know the one. Staring back at you from the grid, innocent yet devilishly challenging, it’s a masterclass in misdirection. This crossword clue promises to be a deceptively simple construction, yet unraveling its core requires a specific angle of attack.
For me, the initial stumbling block was the sheer breadth of possible interpretations. The clue could be literal, metaphorical, or even relying on some obscure historical reference. It’s the kind of clue that makes you question everything you thought you knew about words and their definitions.
My initial thought process involved trying to break down the clue into its constituent parts. What are the key nouns, verbs, and adjectives? What nuances do they carry? Are there any obvious synonyms or related concepts that spring to mind? This, as many of you seasoned solvers know, is standard operating procedure.
But with this particular crossword clue, standard procedure just wasn’t cutting it. The usual suspects – the obvious wordplays, the common abbreviations, the stock phrases – simply didn’t fit. This demanded a more creative approach.
I started exploring the etymology of the words within the clue. Sometimes, understanding the origin and evolution of a word can unlock hidden meanings and shed light on unexpected connections. This proved to be a fruitful avenue, leading me down a rabbit hole of linguistic history.
Next, I considered the context of the clue within the crossword grid itself. What are the lengths of the intersecting words? What letters are already filled in? These constraints can often provide valuable clues, narrowing down the possibilities and eliminating potential solutions. The grid, after all, is a silent collaborator, offering hints and nudges to guide you towards the correct answer.
However, even with these contextual clues, the answer remained elusive. It felt like I was missing a key piece of the puzzle, a crucial link that would connect the dots and reveal the solution.
I even ventured into the murky waters of potential anagrams and homophones. While these techniques are often considered a last resort, they can sometimes be surprisingly effective in cracking a particularly stubborn clue.
But alas, despite all my efforts, I’m still wrestling with this cryptic conundrum. I’ve considered every angle, exhausted every possibility, and even consulted with fellow crossword enthusiasts. Yet, the answer remains just out of reach.
So, I turn to you, the collective wisdom of the crossword-solving community. Have you encountered this clue? Have you managed to decipher its secrets? If so, I implore you to share your insights and help me conquer this formidable challenge. Let’s collaborate, brainstorm, and finally crack this “hard decision!” crossword clue together. Your thoughts and theories are most welcome in the comments below!
Available Answers:
IMTORN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Six Degrees Of Separation By Joe Rodini