Hello, fellow word sleuths and grid gladiators! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of staring down a perfectly crafted crossword clue. Some clues are straightforward, a direct path to the solution. Others are more like a winding labyrinth, demanding a nuanced approach and a deep dive into the English language’s vast treasury. Today, we’re unpacking one of those delightfully deceptive gems: “Holds or saves, e.g.“
This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in elegant misdirection, or rather, elegant
direction
that makes you work for it. At first glance, you might find yourself brainstorming a long list of synonyms for “holds” and then another for “saves.” Do you think of holding a door, holding a grudge, or holding a record? Do you ponder saving money, saving a life, or saving a document on your computer? The beauty, and sometimes the frustration, of such a crossword clue lies in its breadth.
The key to unlocking this crossword clue, and many like it, lies in that crucial “e.g.” It’s a silent siren, signaling that the answer isn’t a direct synonym for either “holds” or “saves” independently. Instead, it’s a broader category, a concept, or a specific type of action of which “holding” and “saving” are merely examples. This immediately shifts your mental gears from specific actions to a more encompassing idea. You’re no longer looking for
a
verb or
a
noun that means “holds” or “saves,” but rather a single word that
represents
both actions, perhaps in different contexts, or a state that these actions contribute to.
Consider the dual nature of the words themselves. “Holds” can imply retention, maintaining a position, or even possession. “Saves” can suggest preservation, setting aside for future use, or rescuing from harm. The magic of this crossword clue is how it forces your brain to find the intersection of these seemingly disparate yet fundamentally related concepts. Is it an action in finance? Perhaps in computing? Or is it a more general human endeavor? The best crossword clues often operate on multiple levels of meaning, and this one certainly does.
When confronted with a multi-faceted crossword clue like this, a seasoned solver will often employ a few trusted strategies. First, resist the urge to immediately jump to the most obvious interpretation of each word. Think broadly. What does it mean to “hold” something over time? What does it mean to “save” something for later? Secondly, consider the part of speech. Is the answer likely a noun, a verb, or perhaps an adjective? The structure of the grid and any crossing letters you’ve already filled in will be invaluable clues themselves. A good crossword clue almost always plays fair, even when it feels like it’s leading you down a garden path.
This type of crossword clue is a classic example of what makes the hobby so endlessly fascinating. It’s not just about knowing words; it’s about understanding their relationships, their nuances, and how they can be cleverly combined to point to a single, elegant solution. It’s a linguistic puzzle that rewards lateral thinking and a willingness to explore the less obvious connections between words. So, as you ponder this particular “Holds or saves, e.g.” crossword clue, think about the essence of these actions, the common thread that binds them, and the ultimate purpose they serve. The satisfaction of finally seeing that answer snap into place is what keeps us all coming back for more, grid after glorious grid.
Available Answers:
STAT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Katie Hale & Doug Peterson / Ed. Patti Varol