The digital ink is barely dry on yesterday’s puzzle, and already, a new challenger emerges. Today’s focus? A deceptively simple yet wonderfully perplexing
crossword clue
: “It features high wind movements.”
Oh, the beauty and the beast of a seemingly straightforward phrase! When you first read a
crossword clue
like this, your mind probably jumps straight to weather. Tornadoes, hurricanes, cyclones – obvious candidates for “high wind movements.” But as any seasoned solver knows, the best
crossword clue
writers delight in leading you down the garden path, only to reveal a delightful, unexpected turn.
Let’s unpack this particular
crossword clue
. “It features high wind movements.” The “It” suggests a singular entity, an object, a place, or perhaps even a concept. And “features” implies that these wind movements are a defining characteristic, not just a fleeting occurrence. Then there’s the core: “high wind movements.”
What exactly does “high” imply here? Does it refer to altitude – winds far above the ground? Or does it mean
intense
winds, powerful and strong? Could “high” even refer to a state of being, like a “high” emotion or a “high” point in a narrative? While the latter might seem like a stretch for a wind-related
crossword clue
, never underestimate the playful ambiguity of the setter.
And “wind movements”? This isn’t just “wind.” It’s “wind movements.” This subtle plural adds a layer. Are we talking about a series of actions? Or perhaps the
kind
of movements the wind makes? Is it the
act
of moving wind, or the
result
of wind moving? This precision in language is the hallmark of a great
crossword clue
, and often where the true solution lies hidden in plain sight.
When you’re faced with a
crossword clue
that seems to have a clear answer but doesn’t quite fit, it’s time to pivot. Consider the broader implications. Beyond literal weather, what else might involve “high wind movements”? Think metaphorically. Is there anything that metaphorically “moves” with “high wind” – meaning great energy, speed, or force?
Perhaps it’s a type of dance, a piece of machinery, or even a phenomenon that isn’t purely meteorological but
described
using wind-related terms. Crossword setters love to tap into idioms, double meanings, and even niche vocabulary. Don’t be afraid to cast a wide net in your mental dictionary.
One crucial step in deciphering a challenging
crossword clue
is to check its neighboring letters once you’ve filled in a few intersecting words. Those pre-existing letters are your best friends. They can instantly narrow down a broad range of possibilities to just one or two. For instance, if you have an ‘S’ as the third letter, you can immediately discard anything that doesn’t fit that pattern. This context is invaluable for any tricky
crossword clue
.
The beauty of a
crossword clue
like “It features high wind movements” is how it forces you to think outside the box, to consider every angle, every nuance of language. It’s the kind of clue that makes you stop, stare, and then, after that satisfying “aha!” moment, makes you marvel at the setter’s cleverness.
So, take a deep breath (perhaps with some high wind movements of your own!), embrace the challenge, and let your mind wander through the gusts of possibility. What kind of entity
features
these powerful motions? The answer, when it comes, will likely be as elegant as the clue itself.
Happy solving, and may your logical leaps be as swift as the subject of today’s captivating
crossword clue
!
Available Answers:
OBOE SONATA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0712-25 NY Times Crossword 12 Jul 25, Saturday