Every seasoned crossword enthusiast knows that moment. You’re cruising through a grid, feeling smart and swift, when suddenly – BAM! – you hit a clue that stops you dead in your tracks. It’s not necessarily complex or obscure, but it possesses that exquisite blend of simplicity and sly misdirection that makes you pause, smile, and perhaps even audibly groan in delightful frustration. Today, let’s talk about one such gem: “It may be picked by the picky.”
This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in elegant ambiguity. On the surface, it seems straightforward. Two short phrases, linked by a common verb, inviting you to connect the dots. But the beauty, and indeed the challenge, lies in the delightful polysemy of its key words. Deciphering a good crossword clue often begins with dissecting its components, and this one offers a rich harvest for the wordplay connoisseur.
Consider the word “picked.” Oh, how many hats this verb wears! It could mean selected or chosen from a group, much like one might pick a winner from a lineup, or a card from a deck. But “picked” also carries the connotation of harvesting – picking apples from a tree, for instance. Then there’s the more delicate, precise action: picking a lock, picking a flower. And let’s not forget its less desirable connotations, like picking on someone, or picking a fight, or even picking your nose! The sheer versatility of this single word means the potential answers to this crossword clue are immediately vast and varied, setting a wonderfully tricky stage.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the “picky.” This adjective immediately conjures images of discernment, fastidiousness, and a strong preference for things to be just so. Someone who is picky doesn’t just choose; they select with precision, often rejecting many options before settling on the one that perfectly meets their exacting standards. They might be particular about their food, their clothes, their company, or even the small details in their surroundings. The “picky” person is the ultimate arbiter of quality, for themselves at least.
When these two elements – something that is “picked” and the characteristic of being “picky” – converge in a single crossword clue, the mental gears really start to grind. What kind of entity or concept fits this unique intersection? Is it something tangible, a physical object that is literally chosen with care? Or is it something more abstract, a decision or a consequence that only arises from a highly selective process? The best crossword clues often dance between the literal and the figurative, and this one certainly keeps us guessing.
The short length of this specific crossword clue is also a testament to its cleverness. There are no superfluous words, no elaborate descriptions to give too much away. Every word carries weight, acting as both a hint and a potential misdirection. This economy of language is a hallmark of truly excellent clue writing, forcing solvers to think broadly about synonyms and contexts rather than relying on complex phrasing.
Ultimately, the satisfaction of tackling a crossword clue like “It may be picked by the picky” comes from the journey of exploring these linguistic pathways. It’s about recognizing the layers of meaning, appreciating the subtle wordplay, and finally, experiencing that satisfying “aha!” moment when the correct word clicks into place. It’s a reminder that even the shortest, most unassuming crossword clue can hold a universe of intellectual delight. Take a moment to ponder this one; the answer is as elegant as the clue itself.
Available Answers:
NIT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0709-25 NY Times Crossword 9 Jul 25, Wednesday