A Hair-Raising Encounter with the Crossword: Delving into “Picked ‘Do”
Crosswords, those intricate webs of words, have a unique power to simultaneously frustrate and exhilarate. They demand we flex our mental muscles, rummage through the dusty corners of our vocabulary, and connect seemingly disparate concepts. Today’s puzzle presented a particular head-scratcher: “Picked ‘Do.” A deceptively simple phrase, yet it held me captive for a good portion of my solving time.
The beauty of a good crossword clue lies in its ability to mislead. It’s rarely a straightforward definition; instead, it plays with language, employs clever wordplay, and hints at the solution without outright revealing it. “Picked ‘Do” is a prime example of this artistry.
Let’s break down the clue and explore some potential avenues of thought. The word “‘Do” immediately screams “hairstyle” to most solvers. It’s a common abbreviation, familiar from everyday conversation and pop culture. This connection is strong and provides a solid foundation to build upon.
However, the addition of “Picked” throws a wrench into the works. What does it mean to
pick
a hairstyle? Does it refer to a specific action performed on the hair? Is it about choosing a style from a range of options? Or does “Picked” have a more figurative meaning in this context?
This is where the crossword solver’s intuition comes into play. We need to consider the various nuances of the word “picked.” It can mean to select, as in “picked a winner.” It can mean to pluck or gather, as in “picked flowers.” And, crucially, it can also refer to a tool used for a specific purpose, like a “guitar pick” or an “ice pick.”
Considering the ‘hairstyle’ angle, could “Picked” somehow be referring to the tools used to create or maintain a certain hairstyle? Perhaps a comb, a brush, or a specific type of hair accessory? This leads us down a rabbit hole of possibilities, forcing us to consider different eras, cultures, and stylistic trends. Think of the elaborate hairstyles of the Victorian era, the carefully sculpted looks of the Art Deco period, or the rebellious styles of the punk rock movement. Each era has its own set of associated tools and techniques.
Or, perhaps the clue is less literal and more about the
act
of selecting a hairstyle. Maybe it’s hinting at a process of elimination, where one carefully considers different options before settling on a particular look. In this scenario, “Picked” implies a deliberate choice, a conscious decision to adopt a certain aesthetic.
Beyond the literal and figurative interpretations, it’s also important to consider the possibility of a pun or a hidden meaning. Crossword constructors are notorious for their love of wordplay, and a seemingly straightforward clue can often conceal a clever twist. Could “Picked ‘Do” be a homophone for something else entirely? Or might it be referencing a well-known phrase or idiom that uses the word “picked” in an unexpected way?
The beauty of the crossword puzzle is that it forces you to think outside the box. It encourages you to explore different perspectives, to challenge your assumptions, and to embrace the ambiguity of language. “Picked ‘Do” is a perfect example of this, a simple yet elegant clue that offers a multitude of potential solutions. The journey of unraveling its meaning is as rewarding as discovering the final answer.
Available Answers:
FRO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Getting Full By Joseph Avdek