In case you forgot …
There’s a particular type of memory lapse that’s unique to the world of puzzle solving. It’s not the frustration of a completely unknown fact, nor the maddening blankness of a word that just won’t surface. Instead, it’s the quiet exasperation of encountering a familiar
crossword clue
, one that has graced countless grids over the years, a steadfast companion in our daily intellectual jousts – only for its perfectly obvious answer to remain just beyond reach. It’s the “oh,
that
again!” moment, swiftly followed by the “what
was
it again?” slump.
Every dedicated solver knows this feeling. It’s a testament to the sheer volume of information we process, the vast network of trivia, wordplay, and esoteric knowledge that constitutes the modern crossword puzzle. Some facts, some names, some terms, they just become embedded in our subconscious, surfacing with dependable regularity until, one day, they don’t. And then that particular
crossword clue
sits there, mocking, its solution hovering just out of conscious recall.
Consider, for instance, that perpetually reappearing
crossword clue
relating to a certain literary figure. Not the big names, mind you, but one whose enduring legacy is often distilled into a very specific, perhaps slightly quirky, characteristic or setting. This individual isn’t typically clued by their most famous work or their full name. Oh no. The brilliance of this specific
crossword clue
lies in its consistent reliance on a singular, almost incidental detail from their life or their fictional world. It’s the kind of detail that, once learned, seems unforgettable, yet it possesses a mischievous habit of slipping away just when you need it most.
Perhaps you remember the character they created, renowned for a particular habit or an unusual accessory. Or maybe it’s a specific location associated with their less-known works, a place that, while pivotal to their narrative, isn’t immediately synonymous with their public image. The clever constructor, crafting this
crossword clue
, invariably leans into that one specific angle, trusting that the seasoned solver will have encountered it before, yet banking on the human tendency to forget the truly obvious, or the minutely specific.
This isn’t just any common
crossword clue
; it’s a rite of passage. It tests not just your recall of trivia, but your recognition of patterns, your ability to dredge up the obscure detail that has been, over many years and many grids, firmly linked to this particular person or concept. The clue might be phrased deceptively simply: “____’s iconic object,” or “Setting for ____’s lesser-known tale.” And the moment it appears, a little bell rings in the back of your mind, a vague sense of familiarity. “I know this,” you think, “I
definitely
know this.”
The journey from that initial spark of recognition to the full, triumphant recall of the answer is a miniature drama in itself. You might cycle through related concepts, through other literary figures, through other objects or places. You might even consider wildly incorrect answers that merely share a letter or a syllable. The frustration builds, but so does the determination. And then, often unexpectedly, it clicks. Like a long-lost friend walking back into the room, the answer to that particular
crossword clue
suddenly appears, clear as day.
And when it does, there’s that delightful “aha!” moment. Not just for finally filling in the blank square, but for the sheer satisfaction of bringing that elusive piece of knowledge back into the light. It’s a reminder that the crossword puzzle isn’t just about finishing a grid; it’s about the ongoing relationship with language, history, culture, and the wonderful, infuriating complexities of human memory. It’s about building a mental library of interconnected facts, and occasionally, about having to re-shelve an item that has temporarily gone astray.
So, the next time that particular
crossword clue
shows up, lurking in the grid, take a moment. Allow that familiar, slightly exasperated groan to escape. Then, dig deep. Because part of the joy of this pastime is the rediscovery, the gentle jog to the memory, and the quiet triumph of remembering what, just moments before, had completely vanished. It’s a recurring puzzle, a recurring delight, and a recurring lesson in the beautifully vast and sometimes chaotic landscape of the human mind.
Available Answers:
ASAREMINDER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Saturday’s Daily By Ricky J. Sirois / Ed. Patti Varol