Today’s daily crossword puzzle threw a delightful curveball our way with the clue, “Nonkosher sandwich, in brief.” Oh, the layers of thought this one unwrapped! As any seasoned crossword solver knows, some clues just grab you by the brain and demand a thoughtful approach, and this one certainly did. It’s a perfect example of a challenging crossword clue that makes you pause and consider multiple angles.
First off, let’s dissect the “Nonkosher” aspect. In a culinary context, “kosher” refers to food that adheres to Jewish dietary laws. Therefore, “nonkosher” immediately signals ingredients that are forbidden – think pork, shellfish, or the mixing of meat and dairy. This dramatically narrows down the field of potential sandwich fillings. You can instantly rule out a classic turkey and Swiss, for instance, or a plain tuna sandwich, unless the “nonkosher” element isn’t directly the meat itself but something else that renders it non-kosher (which is less likely for a “brief” answer). The most common contenders for a food item that is inherently nonkosher and widely recognized are typically those involving pig products or seafood like shrimp or crab. This initial filter is crucial when tackling such a specific crossword clue.
Next, we have “sandwich.” This seems straightforward, right? Two slices of bread, a filling, a delightful meal. But in the world of crossword clues, “sandwich” can sometimes be interpreted broadly. Does it mean a traditional loaf-bread creation? Or could it refer to something served on a roll, a bun, or even open-faced? For a “brief” answer, we’re likely looking for a well-known, perhaps iconic, type of sandwich rather than a generic description. It’s about finding that common ground between a specific food item and its widely recognized name. This is where the art of solving crossword clues really shines – understanding the nuances of everyday language as interpreted by puzzle constructors.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the phrase “in brief.” This is the golden ticket. “In brief” almost always suggests an abbreviation, an acronym, or a commonly shortened name. It’s rarely looking for a full, descriptive sentence. Think of how we talk about food in everyday conversation – we often use shortened forms. A “BLT” is a prime example of a sandwich named “in brief.” So, our target answer for this particular crossword clue needs to be short, punchy, and instantly recognizable. It implies that the nonkosher aspect and the sandwich form factor are so intrinsically linked to this brief name that no further explanation is needed.
Putting it all together, we’re searching for a brief, common name for a type of sandwich that inherently contains nonkosher ingredients. It requires a blend of culinary knowledge and a sharp eye for how terms are abbreviated or commonly referred to. When you encounter a crossword clue like this in your daily crossword puzzle, it’s a wonderful mental exercise to sift through possibilities, eliminating those that don’t fit all three constraints.
Did this challenging crossword clue leave you scratching your head, or did the answer immediately jump out? The beauty of solving crossword puzzles is in the journey, the little “aha!” moments that make the effort so rewarding. Keep practicing with these intricate clues, and your crossword solver skills will undoubtedly sharpen!
Available Answers:
BLT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0914-25 NY Times Crossword 14 Sep 25, Sunday