The deceptively simple crossword clue “It may have runners” offers a fascinating dive into the intricate world of wordplay and multiple meanings, a hallmark of what makes daily crosswords so engaging. At first glance, the phrase seems straightforward, yet its brilliance lies in the sheer breadth of interpretations for the word “runners,” pushing puzzle solvers to think expansively. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in lexical ambiguity, designed to tantalize and challenge even the most seasoned solver.
The core of this enigmatic crossword clue’s complexity rests squarely on the word “runners.” Immediately, the mind might jump to the most literal and common association: individuals who run. We picture athletes on a track, marathons, or perhaps a messenger swiftly delivering an item. In this context, “It” could refer to a race, a team, or an event where these human runners participate. This initial interpretation is a natural starting point, but experienced solvers know that a good crossword clue rarely settles for the obvious.
Beyond the human element, “runners” opens up a wealth of inanimate possibilities. Consider the domestic scene: a rug runner, a long, narrow carpet designed to protect floors or decorate hallways. Here, “It” would clearly be a floor or a hallway that
has
this type of runner. Then there are the mechanical or structural runners – the smooth glides on which drawers operate, allowing them to slide in and out effortlessly. In this scenario, “It” might be a chest of drawers, a cabinet, or a piece of furniture. Sleds also have runners, the strips of wood or metal that allow them to glide over snow or ice, making a sled a strong contender for what “It” could be.
The biological world also offers compelling interpretations for this perplexing crossword clue. Some plants, like strawberries, produce “runners” – stolons that creep along the ground, rooting at intervals to produce new plants. If “It” were a garden bed, a specific plant, or even a field, this botanical meaning becomes perfectly logical. This illustrates how setters deliberately draw from diverse fields of knowledge to craft a truly tricky crossword clue.
And let’s not forget the more abstract or slightly archaic uses. A “runner” can refer to a small stream or brook, or even a streak of color in fabric. More famously, a “runner” can be a ladder in a stocking, an unraveling thread that runs down the leg. If “It” were a piece of hosiery or clothing, this interpretation could be the intended answer, showcasing the cleverness often hidden within a well-crafted crossword clue.
The pronoun “It” itself is intentionally vague, acting as a placeholder that keeps all these diverse meanings in play. It forces the solver to not preconceive the subject. Is “It” living or inanimate? Large or small? Indoors or outdoors? The sheer lack of specificity ensures that every potential meaning of “runners” remains a viable path, making this crossword clue a true test of lateral thinking. Mastering any crossword clue of this nature involves a systematic approach: brainstorming all possible meanings for each word, considering homographs and polysemy, and then evaluating which interpretation best fits the grid’s constraints and the overall theme of the puzzle (if it’s a themed crossword). The challenge is to resist settling on the first plausible meaning and instead, to keep an open mind to all the linguistic tricks a setter might employ.
Such a clue isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the art of language and the cleverness of the human mind in manipulating it. The satisfaction derived from cracking such a nuanced crossword clue, after wrestling with its multiple layers, is precisely what keeps enthusiasts coming back for their daily dose of word puzzles. It highlights the beauty of English, where a single word can contain multitudes, and how a skilled setter can exploit that richness to create a memorable solving experience.
Available Answers:
SLED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Themeless Sunday 157 By August Miller