The Trick of the Tongue: Homophones in Crosswords
Ah, the joy of a clever crossword clue! It’s not just about filling in the grid, it’s about unraveling the puzzle’s hidden layers. One of the most common tricks up a crossword constructor’s sleeve is the homophone – a word that sounds exactly like another, but with a different spelling and meaning.
Today’s clue is a classic example: “Male name that’s a homophone of 7-Across.” This type of clue can be a little tricky at first, but once you decipher the homophone relationship, it can become a delightful “aha!” moment.
So, how do you tackle this type of clue? Here’s a little strategy:
1.
Identify the 7-Across clue:
First things first, check out the clue for 7-Across. What kind of word is it? Is it a noun, a verb, an adjective? This will give you a starting point for thinking about potential homophones.
2.
Think aloud:
Read the 7-Across clue out loud, paying close attention to the sound of the word. Can you think of any other words that sound the same? This might involve brainstorming common male names or thinking about words with similar sounds.
3.
Consider the context:
Does the answer to 7-Across give any further clues to the homophone? For example, if the answer to 7-Across is a city, the male name might be related to a famous person associated with that city.
4.
Don’t be afraid to guess:
If you’re stuck, make a few educated guesses. Try writing down some possibilities and seeing if they fit into the crossword grid.
Remember, crosswords are meant to be fun! So don’t get discouraged if you need a little time to crack the code. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
Stu.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Daily Celebrity Crossword – 9/21/24 Smartypants Saturday