The satisfaction of unlocking a particularly clever crossword clue is a feeling familiar to any dedicated solver. It’s that ‘aha!’ moment, often preceded by a furrowed brow and a moment of quiet contemplation. Some crossword clues are straightforward definitions, others lean into synonyms, but the truly memorable ones often involve intricate wordplay that makes you marvel at the constructor’s ingenuity. Today’s delve into the world of daily crosswords brings us to a prime example of such craftsmanship, a specific crossword clue that perfectly illustrates the art of the hidden word puzzle.
This particular crossword clue, “Nutritional stat hidden in ‘dinner date’,” immediately signals a common type of wordplay. When a crossword clue includes phrases like “hidden in,” “part of,” “some of,” or “found within,” it’s a strong indicator that the answer is literally embedded within the letters of the clue itself or a phrase given in the clue. These hidden word crossword clues are a delightful challenge, requiring a keen eye and a patient approach to dissect the given text. They often appear deceptively simple, yet can stump even seasoned solvers who are expecting more complex anagrams or cryptic definitions.
The initial task when facing such a crossword clue is to carefully examine the phrase provided. In this instance, ‘dinner date’ is the source material. The “Nutritional stat” part of the crossword clue provides the semantic category for the answer. This dual approach – finding the correct category
and
identifying the hidden sequence – is what makes these crossword clues so rewarding. It’s not just about finding a word; it’s about finding the
right
word that fits both the thematic description and the structural requirement.
Consider the journey a solver undertakes. First, the eye scans ‘dinner date’. Does anything immediately jump out? Sometimes, the word is right there, spelled sequentially. Other times, it requires a little shifting of perspective, perhaps looking for words that span across word breaks, or even subtly backward. The beauty of these hidden word crossword clues lies in their ability to hide in plain sight. They rely on our natural tendency to read words as complete units, making us overlook the smaller, embedded components.
This specific crossword clue, “Nutritional stat hidden in ‘dinner date’,” is brilliant because the target word, a “Nutritional stat,” is a common concept, yet its appearance within ‘dinner date’ is subtle enough to require a moment of focused attention. It’s not just a random string of letters; it’s a meaningful term that relates directly to the first part of the crossword clue. The elegance is in this connection. The constructor isn’t just asking you to find a word; they’re guiding you towards a very specific kind of word, ensuring that when you do find it, the ‘click’ of recognition is undeniable.
Solving this type of crossword clue hones a particular skill: attention to detail. It encourages a different kind of linguistic analysis than, say, a straightforward definition clue or a synonym-based one. Instead of drawing on a vast vocabulary or knowledge of trivia, it tests your ability to see patterns and sequences within given text. For those who love word games and the intricacies of language, these clues are often among the most cherished. They represent the playful side of crosswords, where the words themselves become the puzzle pieces.
The strategic placement of “Nutritional stat” within ‘dinner date’ isn’t accidental. It’s a testament to the crossword constructor’s craft, designed to elicit that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment. This particular crossword clue serves as a fantastic illustration of how much cleverness can be packed into just a few words, proving that even a simple phrase can conceal a surprising linguistic gem, waiting to be unearthed by the observant solver. The next time you encounter a crossword clue that hints at something “hidden,” remember the lessons from ‘dinner date’ and enjoy the hunt.
Available Answers:
RDA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Do Me a Flavor By Freddie Cheng