Lost in the Limbo: Decoding Today’s “Not Yet Decided” Crossword Conundrum
Right, let’s dive straight into the thick of it. Today’s crossword has thrown a particularly chewy bone our way: “Not yet decided … or an “artful” description for the last words of 17-, 27- and 45-Across?“
Now, on the surface, this seems straightforward enough. “Not yet decided” immediately conjures images of indecision, maybe something up in the air, a state of ambiguity. But that sneaky “… or an ‘artful’ description” tag is where the real work begins.
This isn’t just about finding synonyms for undecided. This clue is begging us to engage with the answers to 17-, 27- and 45-Across. To really unlock this, we need to consider a couple of angles.
Firstly, the “artful” aspect. This strongly hints that the final words of those three clues, when considered
together
, form some kind of creative or artistic concept. Think about different art forms: painting, sculpture, music, literature. Are we looking for a common theme, a technical term, or maybe even a specific artist’s name that connects them? Don’t disregard the metaphorical use of “artful” either – is there something clever or ingenious about these words’ combined meaning?
Secondly, the “Not yet decided” part acts as a filter. Whatever “artful” description we uncover, it must relate to the concept of uncertainty, postponement, or a lack of finality. Think about the artistic process itself. Is there a stage in creation that perfectly encapsulates this state of “not yet decided”? Maybe a draft, a sketch, or an early iteration of a composition?
Here’s where the fun starts: analyzing those longer answers. Have you already solved 17-, 27- and 45-Across? If not, prioritize them. The puzzle maker specifically directed us there, so those answers are undoubtedly the key to cracking this “Not Yet Decided” code.
Pay close attention to the final words of each answer. Say them aloud. Do they rhyme? Do they sound similar? Do they trigger any immediate associations with the arts or with indecision? Resist the urge to overthink. Sometimes, the most obvious connection is the correct one.
Once you have those final words isolated, try stringing them together. Can you form a sentence? A phrase? Even a nonsensical arrangement might lead to a breakthrough. Think laterally. Explore different interpretations of each word. Could one word be a verb, a noun, or an adjective depending on the context?
Don’t underestimate the power of context. Review the surrounding clues in the crossword. Are there any recurring themes or motifs? Any words that echo the feeling of uncertainty or artistic expression? These clues might provide valuable hints or confirm your suspicions.
Finally, consider the length of the answer to
this
particular clue. Does the number of letters suggest a single word, a phrase, or perhaps even a compound word? This will further refine your search.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue is that it encourages us to think outside the box, to connect seemingly disparate ideas. This “Not yet decided” clue is a perfect example of that. So, grab your thinking cap, examine those longer answers, and let the artistic and indecisive juices flow! Happy solving!
Available Answers:
STILL ON THE TABLE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0707-25 NY Times Crossword 7 Jul 25, Monday