“Like snakes.” Two simple words, yet this common crossword clue holds a surprising amount of depth and potential for misdirection. It’s the kind of entry that pops up in grids with delightful regularity, often inviting solvers to consider multiple layers of meaning before landing on that perfect fit. For anyone who enjoys unraveling a well-crafted crossword clue, this one provides a fantastic mental workout.
When this particular crossword clue graces your grid, your mind likely jumps to immediate, visual associations. What are snakes? They’re limbless, scaly reptiles, known for their distinctive way of moving. So, naturally, an initial thought might gravitate towards words describing their physical attributes or their characteristic slithering motion. Are we looking for something that describes their texture? Their cold-blooded nature? Their unique form of locomotion? This is often the first line of attack when tackling any animal-related crossword clue. The literal interpretation is always a strong starting point.
However, experienced solvers know that the brilliance of a well-crafted crossword clue often lies in its ability to lead you down the garden path, only to reveal a perfectly logical but slightly less obvious interpretation. A setter might use “Like snakes” to hint at something far more figurative. Beyond the literal, what qualities or actions are often
associated
with snakes in literature, folklore, or common idiom? Are they known for a certain personality trait, perhaps? Or a characteristic sound? Or even a shape they might form when at rest? The beauty of a good crossword clue is its capacity for double-entendre, playing on both direct and indirect meanings.
Consider the context within the puzzle itself. What are the crossing letters suggesting? Is the answer to this crossword clue a verb, an adjective, or a noun? The phrase “Like snakes” strongly implies an adjective, something descriptive. But even within adjectives, there’s a broad spectrum. Is it describing something literally reptilian, or something that metaphorically shares a quality with snakes? Perhaps something that moves
as if
a snake, or something that is
shaped like
one. This is where the art of solving a crossword clue truly shines – discerning the setter’s precise intent.
This specific crossword clue forces you to consider the versatility of language. It’s a masterclass in how a simple phrase can evoke a myriad of images and ideas. Is it about stealth? About smooth, fluid motion? About being without a certain appendage? The challenge, and indeed the joy, of confronting a crossword clue like this is the mental gymnastics it demands. It’s not just about knowing facts; it’s about understanding how words can be stretched and applied in creative, yet ultimately precise, ways. Every new crossword clue is an invitation to explore the nuances of English.
Next time you encounter “Like snakes” as a crossword clue, take a moment. Don’t just jump to the first answer that springs to mind. Ponder the literal and the metaphorical. Think about common phrases, idioms, and even the sounds associated with these fascinating creatures. The solution is often simpler than you think, but cleverly disguised within the broader possibilities of the English language. This particular crossword clue is a prime example of why we love these linguistic puzzles so much – they constantly challenge us to think outside the box, word by word, clue by clue. Mastering the art of the crossword clue is a journey of continuous discovery.
Available Answers:
SCALY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0709-25 NY Times Crossword 9 Jul 25, Wednesday