A recent crossword clue presented a delightful challenge, prompting solvers to unravel a deceptively simple-looking phrase: “Ludicrous (… the first two in this answer)“. For any seasoned solver of daily crossword puzzles, this immediately flags itself as a prime example of clever wordplay, demanding a keen eye for both definition and cryptic instruction. It’s the kind of tricky crossword clue that separates the casual dabbler from the dedicated enthusiast, offering a truly rewarding ‘aha!’ moment.
At its heart, every compelling crossword clue offers a definition, and here, it’s unequivocally “Ludicrous”. This powerful adjective immediately sets the stage. What does “ludicrous” evoke? Absurdity, ridiculousness, something preposterous or utterly laughable. When you encounter “Ludicrous” as a definitional component in a crossword, your mental thesaurus should spring to life, churning out synonyms like ‘farcical,’ ‘comical,’ ‘silly,’ ‘inane,’ or even ‘preposterous.’ The length of the potential answer might also be hinted at by the setter’s choice of “Ludicrous” – a longer, more descriptive word than a simple ‘silly’ often points to a longer solution. This foundational understanding is the first step in tackling any challenging crossword clue.
However, the real meat of this particular crossword clue lies within its parenthetical instruction: “(… the first two in this answer)”. This is where the magic of cryptic crosswords truly shines, transforming a straightforward definition into a brain-bending puzzle. The use of an ellipsis (…) is itself a significant signal. In some crossword clues, an ellipsis might indicate missing letters in a phrase, or perhaps a pause in a sentence that needs to be completed by the answer. But when nestled within a cryptic instruction like this, it often points to a more intricate form of wordplay, sometimes even suggesting a gap the answer itself might fill, or a connection to something in the clue itself.
The phrase “the first two” is a classic cryptic instruction. It universally directs a solver to focus on the initial two letters of a word. This could be the first two letters of a synonym, the first two letters of a word
within
the clue, or, as indicated by the final part of this crossword clue, “in this answer,” the first two letters of the solution itself. This self-referential element is a hallmark of sophisticated clue setting, where the answer becomes an integral part of its own derivation. It means that the solution isn’t just a synonym for “ludicrous”; it’s a word that, when its first two letters are extracted, plays a crucial role in understanding the complete clue’s meaning.
To effectively solve a crossword clue of this caliber, one must engage in a multi-layered thought process. First, list those “ludicrous” synonyms. Then, mentally (or physically, if you’re a pen-and-paper kind of solver) consider what kind of wordplay the ellipsis and the “first two in this answer” might demand. Is the entire phrase inside the parentheses a subtle cryptic definition of the answer? Does the answer, through its first two letters, complete a phrase that itself is ludicrous, or defines something ludicrous? Is there a meta-element where the solution to this specific crossword clue
is
the very thing being described in the wordplay? These types of questions guide you toward the solution by dissecting the mechanics of the clue itself. It’s a testament to the artistry of crossword setters that they can craft such an engaging and tricky crossword clue from seemingly simple components. Unpacking these layers is what makes solving a daily crossword so immensely satisfying.
Available Answers:
INANE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Division of Labor By Kareem Ayas