Ducking and Weaving: When Diplomacy Takes a Detour
Sometimes, the crossword gods aren’t interested in saints and silver linings. They want the grit, the snark, the deliciously underhanded. And that’s precisely what we’re dealing with today.
We’re tackling a clue that speaks to choices made, paths
not
taken, and the occasional strategic descent into the muck. This isn’t about soaring above the fray; it’s about digging in, perhaps getting your hands dirty, and focusing on a more… expedient outcome.
Think of it this way: remember that time you really,
really
wanted the last cookie? Did you calmly appeal to reason and fairness, highlighting everyone else’s ample dessert consumption? Or did you strategically distract the other contenders with tales of a rogue squirrel in the backyard while snatching your prize? That, my friends, is the
spirit
of this clue.
It represents a conscious decision to forgo the virtuous path in favor of something… else. Maybe it involves a little manipulation, a touch of subterfuge, or simply a refusal to rise above a perceived slight. We’re talking about skipping the ethical high ground and opting for tactics that are, shall we say, less than admirable.
Consider the world of competitive sports. A clean win, earned through sheer talent and unwavering dedication, is always the ideal. But sometimes, the pressure is immense, the stakes are sky-high, and a player might be tempted to bend the rules, push the boundaries, or even feign an injury to gain an advantage. That’s a prime example of
not
taking the high road.
Or picture a negotiation scenario. Ideally, both parties would approach the table with transparency and a genuine desire to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. But real-world negotiations can be cutthroat. Deception, strategic withholding of information, and even outright intimidation might come into play. Again, the high road is bypassed for a more… effective strategy.
The beauty of this clue lies in its inherent ambiguity. It could apply to a grand-scale political maneuver, a petty office squabble, or anything in between. It acknowledges the human tendency to prioritize immediate gain over long-term integrity, to choose the path of least resistance even if it’s paved with less-than-ideal choices.
So, as you contemplate the possibilities, ask yourself: What are the synonyms for compromising principles? What phrases suggest a departure from ethical behavior? What words evoke a sense of calculated maneuvering, perhaps with a hint of moral flexibility? Keep those thoughts at the forefront, and you’ll be well on your way to cracking this particular crossword code. Good luck, and may your intellectual journey be slightly less treacherous than the scenario this clue describes!
Available Answers:
GOLOW.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Set The Table By Matt Revis