The daily grind of a crossword puzzle can sometimes feel like a predictable rhythm: definition, synonym, anagram, repeat. But then, every so often, you stumble upon a crossword clue that breaks the mold, a phrase that makes your brain do a delightful double-take. These are the moments we live for, the flashes of brilliance that remind us why we dedicate precious minutes, or even hours, to the grid.
Today, we’re talking about one such gem: “Item for which “This thing blows” would be a positive review.”
Just read it again. “This thing blows.” In common parlance, that’s almost universally negative, isn’t it? Something’s terrible, it’s failed, it’s a disappointment. Yet, the constructor of this particular crossword clue has flipped the script entirely, challenging us to consider a very specific context where that very phrase becomes an endorsement, a mark of success, even a necessity. It’s a clever bit of wordplay that exemplifies the best of what a crossword clue can be.
What makes a crossword clue like this so special? It’s the ingenious misdirection, the way it leverages our default assumptions only to gently lead us down a different, more literal, or perhaps, more specialized path. It demands not just vocabulary recall, but a kind of lateral thinking. You have to detach the phrase from its idiomatic usage and consider its core action. What
physically
blows, and is it a good thing when it does?
When tackling such a crossword clue, your first instinct might be to list things that are bad. But the key here is the “positive review” qualifier. This immediately shifts your focus. You’re not looking for something that
is
bad; you’re looking for something that, when it performs its function, can be described by that word in a
positive
sense. It’s about functionality, efficiency, and purpose.
Think about the myriad ways air moves. Think about how various devices manipulate it. Is it about propulsion? About creation? About cleaning or shaping? The beauty of this specific crossword clue lies in its simplicity, yet its power to confound. It’s not obscure vocabulary or a tricky anagram; it’s a common phrase, twisted just so.
Seasoned crossword solvers know this type of crossword clue well. They are often the ones that elicit an “aha!” moment, a sudden clarity that makes you grin. You might stare at it, scratch your head, walk away, and then, perhaps while doing something completely unrelated, the answer just… pops. The literal meaning of “blows” suddenly aligns with an object whose primary, positive function involves exactly that action.
This kind of crossword clue is a testament to the artistry of crossword constructors. They aren’t just filling grids; they’re crafting miniature linguistic puzzles that challenge our perceptions and expand our mental agility. They teach us to look beyond the obvious, to question assumptions, and to find the hidden meanings within everyday language.
So, for those of you who have encountered this particular crossword clue, or similar ones that rely on a linguistic somersault, you know the satisfaction. It’s a reminder that language is fluid, dynamic, and full of delightful surprises. Keep an eye out for these gems in your daily puzzle; they’re the ones that truly blow you away with their cleverness.
Available Answers:
FAN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0731-25 NY Times Crossword 31 Jul 25, Thursday