The Lingering Enigma: Unpacking “Overdo the Aftershave, Say”
There are some
crossword clues
that just stick with you. Not necessarily because they’re obscure or impossible, but because they paint such a vivid picture, often tapping into a shared human experience. Today, we’re diving into one such gem: “Overdo the aftershave, say.”
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem straightforward. We all know what aftershave is, and we certainly understand the concept of “overdoing” something. But the magic of a good
crossword clue
lies in its nuances, the subtle hints and clever misdirections that guide you towards the precise answer.
Let’s break down this olfactory puzzle, piece by careful piece. The phrase “Overdo the aftershave” immediately conjures a very specific sensory image. We’ve all encountered it, whether in a crowded elevator or a bustling office: that potent, sometimes overwhelming, cloud of fragrance. It’s more than just a pleasant scent; it’s a statement, often unintended, of
too much
. This aspect of excess is key to unlocking the puzzle. What happens when something is “overdone”? It becomes excessive, pervasive, perhaps even unpleasant due to its intensity. The
crossword clue
is nudging us towards a word that captures this sense of abundance, of going beyond what is reasonable or desirable.
But the real pivot in this
crossword clue
lies in that deceptively simple word, “say.” This tiny three-letter word is a powerhouse in the world of
crossword clues
. It tells us that “overdoing the aftershave” isn’t the direct definition of the answer itself, but rather an
example
of it. The answer isn’t “aftershave,” nor is it simply “excessive.” Instead, the phrase serves as an illustrative scenario for a broader concept. It’s like saying, “Think of ‘bark,’ say,” when you’re looking for a word that describes the outer layer of a tree. The example helps you pinpoint the general idea.
So, when you encounter this kind of
crossword clue
, the “say” prompts you to consider: what general action, state, or characteristic does “overdoing the aftershave” exemplify? Is it about a particular kind of impact? Is it about the act of applying something in too great a quantity? Or perhaps the
effect
of such an application? This requires moving beyond the literal interpretation of aftershave and into the realm of abstract concepts or common idioms that describe this very specific kind of over-application.
Such
crossword clues
are a delight for any puzzle solver. They’re relatable, often humorous, and they challenge you to think laterally. They force you to consider the everyday scenario and then distill it down to its essence, matching that essence to the wordplay required by the grid. It’s not just about knowing definitions; it’s about understanding the subtle signals embedded within each and every
crossword clue
. The satisfaction comes from peeling back these layers, from the vivid image of an overly perfumed gentleman to the precise word that encapsulates that exact notion of going above and beyond the appropriate measure. This is the kind of thought process that turns a challenging
crossword clue
into a rewarding triumph.
Available Answers:
REEK.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Katie Hale & Doug Peterson / Ed. Patti Varol