Deciphering the Grid: Tackling a Tricky Crossword Clue
Hello fellow crossword enthusiasts!
Today, we’re diving deep into a particularly intriguing clue that cropped up in my recent solving session: “One game to put a stop to another (3,9)“. This clue is a masterclass in misdirection, employing wordplay and lateral thinking to really test your mental agility. It’s the kind of clue that makes you stare at the grid, re-read the definition a dozen times, and maybe even contemplate the very nature of games themselves.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to hide the obvious in plain sight. On the surface, we’re dealing with two games. But the crucial element is the verb “to put a stop to”. This signals that we’re not simply looking for a pair of games. Instead, we need to think about how one game can effectively
halt
the progress, play, or even the existence of another.
Let’s break down the anatomy of the clue to see where it might lead us. We have a (3,9) structure, indicating a solution comprising a three-letter word followed by a nine-letter word. This is our first constraint, and a crucial one. Armed with this information, we can immediately begin to eliminate possibilities that don’t fit the length requirements.
The three-letter word, being the first part of the solution, likely has a qualifying relationship with the nine-letter word. It might be an action, a descriptor, or even a position related to the longer word. We need to think about common three-letter words associated with games, strategy, or even the concept of stopping something.
Now, let’s tackle the nine-letter word. This is the heart of the solution, the game that is being “put a stop to”. Consider the types of games it could be referring to. Is it a board game, a card game, a sport, or perhaps even a more abstract type of game? Think about common games that fit the length requirement and that are frequently played or widely known.
The connection between the two words is paramount. How does the three-letter word
interact
with the nine-letter word in a way that signifies termination or cessation? The key is to consider the various meanings and implications of “to put a stop to.” It doesn’t necessarily mean literal physical interruption. It could be a strategic maneuver, a rule, or even a metaphorical end.
Crossword solving is all about exploring different avenues and considering multiple possibilities. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, to challenge your initial assumptions, and to look at the clue from different angles. Sometimes the answer lies in the unexpected connection, the subtle nuance, or the clever double meaning.
Consider synonyms for “stop,” “end,” “halt,” “interrupt,” or “terminate”. Think about actions within games that might cause another game to cease. Brainstorm common games, both traditional and modern, and try to visualize how they could be related by a three-letter descriptor that indicates some form of cessation.
Keep experimenting, keep researching, and most importantly, keep having fun. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
BARBILLIARDS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 7 July 2025