That Crossword Clue That Makes You Pause: ‘Knowing what not to say, say‘
There’s always one. You’re sailing through the grid, the pen (or your finger on the screen) flying. You’ve deciphered the anagrams, recalled the obscure river in Uruguay, and even figured out the clever pop culture reference. Confidence is high. And then you hit it—a crossword clue that stops you in your tracks. It’s not necessarily long or filled with jargon. In fact, it’s often deceptively simple.
Today, that crossword clue is a masterclass in subtlety:
“Knowing what not to say, say“
.
At a glance, it seems straightforward. The first part, “Knowing what not to say,” is a concept we all understand. It’s the definition of social grace, of diplomacy, of the quiet skill that navigates tricky conversations and preserves relationships. It’s the art of holding your tongue when an unfiltered thought might cause a stir. A person who possesses this skill is often described as thoughtful, considerate, and perceptive. We’re clearly looking for a word that embodies this very quality. This is the heart of the puzzle clue, the core definition the constructor wants us to grasp.
But then comes the twist, hanging on by a mere comma: the word “say.”
For any seasoned crossword solver, a word like “say” appended to a clue is a flashing neon sign. It’s a piece of classic crossword language, a bit of meta-commentary from the constructor to the solver. It can function in several ways. Sometimes it’s a signal for a homophone, asking you to find a word that sounds like another. Other times, it’s a prompter, as in “for example,” suggesting the answer is an instance of a larger category.
In this particular crossword clue, however, its function is even more elegant and slippery. That comma is doing heavy lifting. It separates the pure definition from the wordplay. The clue isn’t asking for an
example
of knowing what not to say. It’s using “say” to add a layer of misdirection, urging us to think about the
nature
of the word we’re seeking. The entire phrase works together as a cohesive unit, a perfect little puzzle in itself.
To solve a brilliant crossword clue like this, you have to put yourself in the constructor’s shoes. They aren’t just defining a term; they are playing with language. They are asking you to read the clue not just for its literal meaning, but for its rhythm, its structure, and its hidden instructions. You’re not just looking for a synonym for discretion. You’re looking for a word that fits the unique, almost conversational cadence of the clue itself.
This is the kind of puzzle clue that elevates a simple grid of words into something more. It’s a test of vocabulary, to be sure, but it’s also a test of lateral thinking and an appreciation for the delightful quirks of the English language. It’s why we keep coming back to the daily crossword puzzle, seeking that perfect “aha!” moment when the linguistic fog clears and the perfect answer snaps beautifully into place.
Available Answers:
TACT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0917-25 NY Times Crossword 17 Sep 25, Wednesday