The joy of tackling a challenging crossword puzzle often culminates in that glorious ‘aha!’ moment. It’s when a cleverly constructed crossword clue finally clicks, illuminating not just a single answer, but the entire elegant design of the grid. Today, we’re diving into precisely such a moment, focusing on a superb revealer that perfectly encapsulates the genius behind a well-crafted puzzle. This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s the lynchpin, the unifying concept that brings disparate ideas into sharp focus.
We’re talking about the kind of crossword clue that makes you pause, smile, and appreciate the constructor’s wit. The specific clue we’re zeroing in on today reads: “Like some NBA prospects, or like the answers to the starred clues.” This is a masterclass in thematic integration, a single crossword clue designed to unlock the very essence of the puzzle’s central conceit.
Let’s unpack this fascinating crossword clue. It immediately presents us with two distinct branches of thought, yet insists they share a common trait. First, we’re prompted to consider “some NBA prospects.” What immediately comes to mind when you think of young athletes entering professional basketball? Is it their height, their raw talent, their potential, their physical gifts, their relative youth, or something else entirely? The ‘some’ is crucial here; it implies not
all
prospects, but a specific subset exhibiting a particular quality. This part of the crossword clue sends our minds racing through the characteristics that define these burgeoning stars.
Then, the clue pivots, connecting this quality directly to “the answers to the starred clues.” This is where the magic of a thematic crossword truly shines. The starred entries are typically the long, central answers that embody the puzzle’s theme. For them to be “like” some NBA prospects means they, too, must possess this exact same characteristic, quality, or state of being. The common denominator must be so clear, so precise, that it perfectly describes both groups. The challenge, and the immense satisfaction, lies in identifying that singular characteristic. What fundamental attribute could possibly link a specific type of NBA prospect with a diverse set of themed crossword answers? That’s the delightful puzzle presented by this crossword clue.
This type of revealer crossword clue is a constructor’s art form. It doesn’t just ask for a word; it asks for a concept. It demands that you’ve not only solved the individual starred entries but have also recognized the underlying pattern that unites them. And once you see it, once that common thread emerges, the entire grid snaps into place with a resounding ‘yes!’ The brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in its ability to draw parallels between seemingly unrelated domains. It’s about finding an abstract or concrete quality that transcends its typical context.
Think about the physical attributes, the common states, or the potential characteristics that define
some
NBA prospects. Now, imagine how those very same descriptors could apply to words or phrases that form the backbone of a crossword puzzle. It’s a testament to the versatility of language and the cleverness of the constructor. A truly brilliant crossword clue often pushes us to think outside the box, connecting ideas we might never otherwise link. This particular clue achieves that with elegant simplicity.
As we delve deeper into this puzzle, remember that the answer to this potent crossword clue isn’t just another word to fill in; it’s the key to understanding the entire design. It’s the unifying theory, the grand explanation that makes the entire solving experience incredibly rewarding. Keep that idea of a shared characteristic firmly in mind as you explore the starred entries. The journey to unlocking this particular crossword clue is as rewarding as the solution itself. What do you think that shared quality might be?
Available Answers:
ONEANDDONE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Luke Nagel / Ed. Patti Varol