Hello, fellow word warriors and grid gurus! Is there anything quite as satisfying as staring down a truly enigmatic crossword clue, feeling that delightful mental wrestling match begin, and then –
bam!
– the lightbulb moment that ties everything together? Today, we’re diving headfirst into a clue that exemplifies the very best of clever crossword construction: one that not only challenges your vocabulary but also makes you think about the very architecture of the puzzle itself.
You know the type: those wonderfully meta clues that pull back the curtain on how the grid works, or clues that have a dual meaning, one literal and one that cleverly describes an action within the puzzle. These are often the ones that elevate a good daily crossword into a truly memorable experience. They demand a different kind of brainpower, urging you to look beyond the obvious definition and consider the puzzle as a whole.
Today’s focus is on a particularly intriguing crossword clue that perfectly marries a common idiom with a fascinating grid mechanic. It’s the kind of clue that, once solved, leaves you nodding in appreciation for the sheer ingenuity of the constructor. The phrasing alone piques curiosity: “Person whose stock is climbing … or what each asterisked clue’s answer receives from the row below it?“
Just reading that, your solver senses should be tingling! This isn’t just about finding a synonym for someone on the rise. Oh no, this crossword clue is playing a much deeper game. The “or” connector is a huge signpost, telling us that the two parts of the clue, while seemingly disparate, actually point to the same brilliant answer. It’s a masterclass in elegant misdirection and thematic integration within a crossword puzzle.
Let’s unpack this a little without giving away the satisfying reveal. The first part, “Person whose stock is climbing,” immediately brings to mind images of success, advancement, or gaining prominence. We’ve all seen individuals, companies, or even ideas whose “stock is climbing,” indicating a surge in popularity, value, or influence. Your mind might immediately jump to terms like “rising star,” “up-and-comer,” or someone who is experiencing a significant increase in their standing. This is classic crossword clue strategy: providing a straightforward, albeit often indirect, definition.
But then comes the second part, the part that truly elevates this crossword clue from good to great: “… or what each asterisked clue’s answer receives from the row below it?” Now, this is where things get deliciously meta. The constructor isn’t just asking for a word; they’re asking you to understand a specific interaction happening
within the crossword grid itself
. This implies a dynamic relationship between the answers in the grid, specifically how certain answers (marked by an asterisk, indicating they are part of the theme) interact with the row directly beneath them.
What could an answer possibly “receive” from the row below it that would connect to the idea of its “stock climbing”? This is where you start picturing the grid. Is it a literal movement? A type of support? A boost in some form? The beauty of such a crossword clue lies in its ability to force you to visualize the puzzle not just as a static array of words but as a dynamic, interconnected system. It’s a fantastic example of a thematic clue that cleverly weaves the puzzle’s internal mechanics into its definition.
Solving such a crossword clue requires more than just a strong vocabulary. It demands pattern recognition, an understanding of common crossword tropes, and a willingness to think outside the box – or, in this case, inside the grid, but in a very particular way! It’s about seeing the puzzle as a whole, appreciating the layers of meaning, and recognizing how the constructor has played with both language and layout.
These kinds of meta-references are what make the world of crossword puzzles so endlessly engaging. They turn a simple word search into a logic puzzle, a linguistic challenge, and sometimes, a delightful peek behind the constructor’s curtain. When you encounter a crossword clue like this, you know you’re in for a treat – a moment of pure “Aha!” that makes all the head-scratching worthwhile.
So, how did you fare with this one? Did you spot the connection between a rising individual and the subtle grid interaction? The satisfaction of cracking a crossword clue of this caliber is truly unparalleled, showcasing the brilliance of crossword construction. Keep an eye out for these thematic gems in your daily crossword pursuits; they’re often the highlight of the solve!
Available Answers:
RISINGSTAR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Movin%27 On Up By Chad Hazen and Jeff Chen