Ah, the delightful dance of deciphering a cryptic phrase! Every so often, a
crossword clue
lands in our lap that just begs for a deeper dive, a linguistic excavation into its very essence. Today’s spotlight shines squarely on “Made a big stink?“. If you found yourself pausing, perhaps even scratching your head over this one, you’re certainly not alone. This isn’t just any run-of-the-mill definition; it’s a prime example of the clever, often multilayered wordplay that makes the humble
crossword clue
such an enduring and satisfying puzzle.
At first glance, “Made a big stink?” might conjure up images of something distinctly unpleasant to the nose. A forgotten carton of milk? A particularly pungent cheese? While the literal interpretation of “stink” certainly relates to odor, a quick glance at the question mark at the end of this
crossword clue
should immediately signal that we’re venturing into figurative territory. In the world of crosswords, that little punctuation mark is a crucial beacon, often pointing us away from the literal and towards idiomatic expressions, playful puns, or a less obvious meaning. It’s the puzzle maker’s subtle wink, inviting you to think beyond the obvious.
So, if “stink” isn’t about smell, what then? The phrase “made a big stink” is a common idiom in the English language, signifying a fuss, a commotion, a public outcry, or a significant complaint. It implies an action that caused a notable disturbance, perhaps even a scandal or a controversy. This shift from olfactory to social is key to unlocking this particular
crossword clue
. The challenge then becomes pinpointing the precise verb or verb phrase that encapsulates this act of creating a significant disturbance or causing a notable uproar.
Consider the active nature of the clue. “Made” puts us firmly in past tense, indicating an action that has already occurred. This narrows down our search considerably. We’re looking for a past-tense verb that means to have caused a notable fuss or created a public outcry. The beauty of such a
crossword clue
lies in its deceptiveness. It seems straightforward enough, yet it requires a nuanced understanding of English idioms and the ability to pivot from a literal interpretation to a figurative one.
When faced with a
crossword clue
like this, experienced solvers often begin by brainstorming synonyms for “fuss,” “commotion,” “protest,” or “complaint,” then considering how those concepts might be expressed as a past action. Did someone loudly object? Did they create a scene? Did their actions lead to widespread public discussion, perhaps even negative attention? The possibilities, while numerous, are often constrained by the number of letters in the expected answer and, crucially, by the crossing letters that provide invaluable hints.
This type of
crossword clue
is a fantastic mental workout. It forces you to delve into the rich tapestry of the English language, to distinguish between direct definitions and idiomatic expressions, and to appreciate the subtle art of the clue setter. It’s not just about knowing words; it’s about understanding how words are used, how they can shift meaning, and how a seemingly simple phrase can carry a multitude of interpretations. The satisfaction comes not just from filling in the squares, but from dissecting the clue itself, appreciating its cleverness, and ultimately, mastering its linguistic challenge.
Unraveling “Made a big stink?” is a perfect illustration of why we love grappling with a challenging
crossword clue
. It’s a testament to the fact that every square filled is a small victory, not just of vocabulary, but of analytical thinking and linguistic agility. Keep pushing past the obvious, and you’ll find that even the trickiest clues eventually surrender their secrets.
Available Answers:
REEKED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –LA Times Crossword, Wed, Jun 11, 2025
Washington Post Crossword -Wednesday’s Daily By Dylan Schiff / Ed. Patti Varol