Picked Up On: A Tricky Crossword Clue
Ah, the joy of a crossword puzzle! It’s a satisfying challenge that tests our vocabulary, our logic, and sometimes, even our sanity. But every now and then, we encounter a clue that throws us for a loop. This week, that clue for me was “Picked Up On.”
Now, I’m not talking about grabbing a dropped pen or catching a ride. No, this clue was much more abstract, and frankly, a bit cryptic. It felt like it could have multiple meanings, each leading to a different answer.
At first, I tried to think of synonyms for “picked up.” I considered words like “absorbed,” “learned,” or “understood.” But none of them felt quite right. The “on” at the end was throwing me off.
Then I started brainstorming potential answers. Could it be a verb? An adjective? Maybe a noun? The possibilities seemed endless.
I tried to think about different contexts. “Picked up on” could refer to a social cue, a piece of information, or even a change in the weather.
As I delved deeper, I started to feel a bit frustrated. I was certain there was a simple answer hiding in plain sight, but it just wouldn’t come to me.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I had a breakthrough. The answer was staring me right in the face, and it was so obvious! It was a common word, something I used almost daily.
I felt a surge of satisfaction as I filled in the blank. It was a classic “aha!” moment, the kind that makes a crossword puzzle so rewarding.
So, have you encountered this tricky clue? Do you have a different answer in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to check back next week for another crossword puzzle showdown!
Available Answers:
NOTICED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 14 Jul 24, Sunday