The seemingly straightforward crossword clue, “Passes out cards,” presents an immediate invitation into the playful world of word puzzles. At first glance, the mind naturally gravitates towards a specific kind of game, perhaps a friendly evening gathering or a serious tournament. But as any seasoned solver knows, the beauty – and occasional frustration – of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its potential for misdirection, its clever use of homographs, and its ability to conjure multiple interpretations from a seemingly simple phrase.
Consider “Passes out.” In everyday language, this could mean someone losing consciousness, an entirely different scenario from distributing objects. However, within the context of “cards,” the fainting interpretation quickly becomes less likely, nudging us firmly towards the action of distribution. Yet, even with distribution, there are layers. Are we talking about business cards being handed out at a networking event? Identification cards at a security checkpoint? Or, most commonly, the playing cards that form the core of countless games? The cleverness of a good crossword clue often hinges on leading you down a very specific, yet ultimately correct, path.
When faced with such a concise crossword clue, it’s crucial to analyze each word for its literal and figurative meanings. “Cards” itself is remarkably versatile. It could refer to postcards, credit cards, or indeed, the deck of 52 we’re most likely thinking of. The trick is to identify which meaning the constructor intends, and usually, the verb preceding it offers the strongest hint. Here, “Passes out” strongly suggests a verb related to dealing or distributing, specifically within the realm of card games. This particular type of crossword clue is a classic example of a “straight” or “definitional” clue, albeit one with just enough room for a touch of ambiguity to keep things interesting. It requires the solver to pinpoint the most direct and common action associated with the phrase. Often, the answer to such a crossword clue is a single, concise verb or a noun derived from a verb, perfectly encapsulating the action described.
Seasoned crossword enthusiasts know that certain actions are staples in puzzles. Anything related to common household activities, professions, or leisure pursuits frequently appears. Distributing cards in a game is certainly a prevalent activity, making the solution to this crossword clue a relatively common term in the English language. It’s not an obscure word, nor is it a highly specialized jargon term. Instead, it’s a word that precisely describes the act of initiating a round of play.
When you encounter this crossword clue, think about the very first step in many card games. What does the person responsible for giving everyone their hand
do
? The action is singular, specific, and universally understood within that context. The answer will be a word that, by itself, perfectly explains “Passes out cards” in the most direct and commonly accepted sense. It’s a testament to the constructor’s art that a seemingly simple crossword clue can evoke such a clear, yet unstated, image for the solver. The solution isn’t about deep metaphorical meaning; it’s about identifying the precise, everyday word for the action. This kind of crossword clue reminds us that often, the most elegant solutions are the most straightforward, once you strip away the potential distractions.
Available Answers:
DEALS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Universal Freestyle 184 By Ryan Judge