That feeling when a seemingly straightforward history question in your daily grid transforms into a multi-layered linguistic puzzle. It’s the thrill of the chase, the intellectual gymnastics that elevate a good crossword clue from a simple test of knowledge to a true test of wit. Today, we’re dissecting a prime example: “He was president in 1925 (In this answer, see letters 7-10).”
On the surface, this crossword clue seems like a trip down memory lane to the Roaring Twenties, asking for a specific historical figure. But then comes the twist, that parenthetical instruction that makes you pause, scratch your head, and maybe even let out a small, appreciative groan. “In this answer, see letters 7-10.” This isn’t just a history quiz; it’s a meta-clue, a pointer to something deeper within the grid itself.
Experienced solvers know these types of crossword clues well. They signal that the answer isn’t a single word, or if it is, it’s part of a larger mechanism. The true brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in its misdirection. Your first instinct might be to pull up a list of US presidents from that era. And while knowing the historical context is helpful, it won’t directly give you the answer to
this
specific crossword clue.
The “letters 7-10” directive is your real key. It indicates that the solution you enter into the grid will be a phrase or a longer name, and within that phrase, characters at positions 7, 8, 9, and 10 will spell out something significant. This ‘something significant’ could be another clue entirely, a part of a larger theme running through the puzzle, or even a hidden word that itself is related to the president or the era. This is often how a setter can elegantly weave together multiple ideas or puns within a single, elegant crossword clue.
Consider the landscape of the United States in 1925. It was a time of immense change, Prohibition was in full swing, jazz was booming, and significant technological and cultural shifts were redefining American life. The presidency during this period was pivotal, navigating the aftermath of World War I and setting the stage for the economic boom that characterized much of the decade. But instead of just naming the individual, this crossword clue challenges you to think about the
form
of the answer.
When tackling such a complex crossword clue, your strategy needs to shift. Rather than just recalling a name, you’re looking for a phrase or a construction that allows for those specific letter positions to yield further meaning. Is it a famous quote by the president? A known nickname or descriptor? A multi-word title? The length of the answer boxes in the grid will often be your first hint about whether it’s a single word or a longer phrase. Then, once you have a potential longer answer, you count those letters carefully.
These kinds of “revealer” or “meta-clues” are what make crosswords so endlessly fascinating. They push you beyond rote memorization into the realm of pattern recognition and creative deduction. The satisfaction of finally cracking such a clever crossword clue, understanding not just the answer but the intricate mechanism behind it, is truly unparalleled. So, when you encounter a crossword clue like “He was president in 1925 (In this answer, see letters 7-10),” embrace the challenge. It’s an invitation to a deeper level of puzzle-solving, a chance to appreciate the artistry of the constructor. Keep those pencils sharp, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
CALVINCOOLIDGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Raising the Temperature By Adam Simpson