“Like hearts and diamonds.” It’s a crossword clue that immediately brings to mind vibrant card games, the shuffle of a deck, and the thrill of a winning hand. But like so many captivating challenges in the world of crossword puzzles, this seemingly straightforward phrase often holds a deeper, more categorical truth. When you encounter a crossword clue like this, your first instinct might be to think of literal objects or the suits themselves. Yet, the art of solving crosswords lies in recognizing the layers of meaning, the broader sets, and the clever misdirection that constructors employ.
Consider the dual nature of “hearts” and “diamonds.” On one hand, they are distinct symbols, each with its own visual identity. On the other, they are undeniably linked, members of a very specific group. This is a classic technique in a daily crossword – presenting two or more items that share a common, often abstract, characteristic. A successful crossword solver understands that the goal isn’t just to identify the items, but to articulate their shared essence. What
kind
of things are they, beyond their individual labels?
For a seasoned crossword enthusiast, a crossword clue like “Like hearts and diamonds” whispers of classification. It prompts a mental inventory of all things related to these items, not just their direct synonyms. Are we looking at a description of their color? Their function? Their shared environment? Or something even more fundamental to their very nature and what they represent in a wider context? The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue is its ability to make you pivot from the obvious to the insightful.
When you try to solve a crossword, especially a tricky one, it’s essential to zoom out. Don’t get stuck on the surface. “Hearts and diamonds” might suggest precious stones or emotional states if you’re not careful, but the context of them being paired together strongly guides you towards a specific domain. The constructor isn’t just asking for what they
are
, but what they are
like
. This ‘like’ is the key – it signals a descriptive adjective or a classification that encompasses both.
Many a daily crossword will feature such a setup, where two concrete nouns point to an abstract quality or a collective noun. The challenge is to find that singular word that unites them under a common banner. It’s about finding the common denominator, the overarching category that these two distinct entities both belong to. This type of crossword clue demands a bit of lateral thinking, moving beyond the immediate and into the realm of shared attributes.
To effectively solve crossword puzzles with clues of this nature, practice recognizing these patterns. Is it about color? Shape? The material they’re made of? The game they’re used in? Or something else entirely that defines their fundamental shared characteristic? The specific phrasing “Like hearts and diamonds” strongly emphasizes finding a descriptive quality that applies equally to both, making them kindred in a specific sense. It’s a delightful mental workout, and one that makes the successful resolution of any crossword clue all the more satisfying. This approach helps sharpen your skills as a crossword solver, preparing you for even more intricate linguistic puzzles.
Available Answers:
RED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0901-25 NY Times Crossword 1 Sep 25, Monday