The quiet thrill of a perfectly crafted crossword clue is something unique. It’s the linguistic dance, the mental gymnastics required to leap from one concept to another, finding that elusive common ground. Today, we’re dissecting a prime example of such wordplay, a crossword clue that might initially leave you scratching your head, but ultimately delivers that satisfying “aha!” moment.
The clue in question: “Like some M&Ms and skirts.”
At first glance, it feels like two distinct worlds colliding: the vibrant, sugary realm of confectionery and the elegant, diverse landscape of fashion. Yet, in the hands of a clever crossword constructor, these disparate elements are woven together by a single, resonant descriptor. Deciphering this kind of challenging crossword clue is precisely what makes the daily crossword a cherished ritual for so many puzzle solvers.
Let’s begin with the M&Ms. We all know and love them – those colorful, button-shaped chocolates, beloved for their crisp candy shells and melt-in-your-mouth centers. But the clue doesn’t say
all
M&Ms; it specifically points to “some” M&Ms. This immediately narrows our focus. Are we considering the peanut variety, with its crunchy addition? Or perhaps the pretzel-filled M&Ms, offering a salty-sweet contrast? Then there are the newer iterations, the mint, the caramel, the crispy. But before all these delightful variations, there was the original. The foundational M&M. What characteristic defines
that
kind of M&M, setting it apart from its more complex cousins? Think about its very essence, its most basic form. When you want the quintessential M&M experience, what variety do you reach for? The answer to this specific aspect of the crossword clue often hinges on understanding the fundamental version of the item.
Now, let’s pivot to skirts. From flowing maxi skirts to form-fitting pencil skirts, flared minis to sophisticated A-lines, the world of women’s fashion offers an incredible array of styles, fabrics, and patterns. Again, the crossword clue doesn’t refer to
all
skirts, but “some” skirts. What quality could a skirt possess that might link it directly to a particular type of M&M? Are we talking about intricate designs? Elaborate embroidery? Or perhaps the opposite? Consider the most fundamental type of skirt, one that lacks embellishment or complex features. Imagine a skirt stripped back to its most basic form, without frills, pleats, or prints. What term would you use to describe its appearance, its lack of ornamentation? This kind of wordplay is a hallmark of an expertly crafted crossword clue.
The genius of this particular crossword clue lies in its ability to connect these two seemingly unrelated items through a shared, fundamental attribute. It forces the solver to strip away the complexities and focus on the core nature of both the candy and the garment. What quality do the most straightforward version of M&Ms and the most unadorned skirts share? It’s a word that describes a lack of complexity, an unembellished state, a simple elegance. For any dedicated puzzle solver, recognizing this shared characteristic is key to unlocking the answer.
This type of crossword clue exemplifies the brilliance of word puzzles. It challenges us to look beyond the obvious, to find the unexpected commonalities that bind our world together through language. When that moment of clarity strikes, and you realize the singular term that perfectly fits both parts of the clue, the satisfaction is immense. It’s not just about filling in boxes; it’s about making connections, expanding your vocabulary, and honing your deductive reasoning skills. Next time you encounter a challenging crossword clue, remember to consider the most basic, fundamental aspects of the items mentioned. The answer might be simpler than you think. Keep solving, keep exploring the fascinating world of crosswords!
Available Answers:
MINI.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – One After Another By Julia Dreyer