One performing a barrel roll or tailslide

The Art of the Turn: Decoding a Familiar Figure

Crossword puzzles are filled with charmingly cryptic clues, often hiding familiar objects, concepts, or actions in clever wordplay. Today, we’re tackling a clue that may make you think of aerial acrobatics or the slick maneuvers of a skateboarder.

The clue: “One performing a barrel roll or tailslide“.

This clue is a great example of how crosswords use wordplay to hint at an answer. The key is to break down the clue and understand its different parts.

“One performing”

suggests we’re looking for a noun, possibly a person or a thing that carries out an action.

“a barrel roll”

evokes images of flight, perhaps a plane performing a daring maneuver.

“or tailslide”

introduces a new element, suggesting something that can move on the ground, perhaps a skateboard or a snowboard.

The challenge lies in finding a word that encompasses both aerial and ground-based movements, linking the seemingly disparate concepts of a barrel roll and a tailslide.

Let’s put our thinking caps on and see if we can crack this clue. Remember, the beauty of crosswords is in the journey, not just the destination!

Available Answers:

STUNT PILOT.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 2 Jul 24, Tuesday