Decoding the Calendar: The Crossword Clue “March, Say”
Ah, the daily ritual. Coffee brewed, newspaper unfolded (or more likely, tablet illuminated), and the ever-present challenge: the crossword. Today’s offering, a seemingly simple yet subtly deceptive clue: “March, say.”
Immediately, the mind leaps to associations. March, the third month, herald of spring (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, at least). March, with its blustery winds and promise of rebirth. March, the month of St. Patrick’s Day, overflowing with green and good cheer.
But that’s far too straightforward for the wily crossword constructor, isn’t it? This is where the true fun begins. The dance of letters, the careful consideration of potential solutions based on the number of squares available.
The first hurdle, of course, is understanding what the clue is
actually
asking. The phrase “March, say” signals a request for a
type
of March, a
kind
of March, or something otherwise describing or characterizing it. It’s not asking for synonyms of “March,” the month itself, but rather for something
exemplified
by March. Think of it as providing an instance or a characteristic of March.
The length of the answer, indicated by the number of squares, is your most crucial weapon at this stage. A short word? A long one? This immediately narrows down the possibilities. A three-letter solution screams for brevity and simplicity, while a ten-letter word invites more complex associations.
Consider the possibilities. Is it alluding to a famous “March” in history? A metaphorical use of the word “march?” Is there a connection to Roman mythology, given the month’s namesake? Or could it be something simpler, referring to a specific type of march, like a protest march or a military march? The possibilities, at this stage, are both exciting and daunting.
Don’t forget the power of crossing letters! If you’ve already solved adjacent clues, carefully examine the intersecting letters. These invaluable hints can drastically reduce the number of potential solutions, pointing you in the right direction. A single confirmed letter can be the key to unlocking the entire puzzle.
Beyond direct associations, think about wordplay. Crossword compilers are notorious for their clever use of language. Could “say” be a homophone, suggesting a word that sounds like “March?” Could it be a hidden instruction, hinting at anagrams or other linguistic tricks?
Remember, the essence of crossword solving lies in lateral thinking. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the obvious and explore unconventional avenues. The more connections you make, the closer you’ll get to cracking the code.
So, take a deep breath, sharpen your mental pencils, and dive back into the puzzle. The solution to “March, say” is out there, waiting to be discovered. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
MONTH.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – I Couldn%27t Possibly! By Joe Rodini