Crossword Chronicles: Decoding “May __ Excused?”
Another day, another crossword puzzle staring back at me. This time, the culprit? The unassuming phrase: “May __ excused?”
It’s a classic construction, isn’t it? A question posing as a clue, hinting at something more than meets the eye. These kinds of clues often play with our assumptions, relying on our ingrained knowledge of common phrases and expressions to lead us down a particular path. But which path
is
the right one? That’s the puzzle solver’s eternal dilemma.
My initial instinct, as always, is to break it down. “May” immediately suggests permission, a request, or possibly a modal verb indicating a potential action. “Excused” reinforces this sense of needing permission, typically to leave a situation or be exempted from a responsibility. So, we’re clearly dealing with a scenario where someone wants to be let off the hook.
The length of the answer, indicated by the number of blanks or squares in the crossword grid, is obviously crucial. It’s the first concrete piece of information we have and dictates the possibilities significantly. A short answer suggests a common abbreviation or a concise expression, while a longer answer allows for more nuanced and descriptive options.
I also consider the context. What’s the theme of the puzzle, if any? Are there any other clues that might offer a thematic connection, shedding light on the type of answer the constructor is aiming for? Often, crossword puzzles are interconnected webs of clues, each subtly hinting at others, creating a cohesive solving experience. Ignoring this interconnectedness can be detrimental to the process.
Beyond the immediately apparent, I start to brainstorm potential scenarios where someone might be seeking permission to be excused. A classroom setting immediately springs to mind, but there are other possibilities. A formal dinner? A meeting? A boring lecture? The possibilities are surprisingly vast.
Then, there’s the matter of potential puns or double meanings. Crossword clues are notorious for their playful use of language. “Excused” itself could be taken in a figurative sense, meaning forgiven or pardoned. “May” could allude to a person’s name. We have to be alive to the double meanings that can drastically change our focus.
Therefore, I start listing potential synonyms and related phrases. What words come to mind when I think of “excused”? Released, dismissed, liberated, exempt – the list goes on. Each of these words provides a starting point for a potential solution.
It’s also useful to consider common phrases that include the word “May.” “May I…” is an obvious starting point, but there are other possibilities, depending on the word length. Could it be a fixed idiom or a well-known quote incorporating “May” and “excused”?
The key here is to keep an open mind, explore all avenues, and not get stuck on a single line of thought. Crossword solving is a process of elimination, a delicate dance between deduction and intuition. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to abandon dead ends and embrace new possibilities. So let’s keep exploring.
Available Answers:
IBE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Susan Gelfand / Ed. Patti Varol