The Curious Case of “Play a Banjo” – A Crossword Clue Conundrum
Crossword puzzles. Those intricate grids, filled with tantalizing clues that dance just out of reach. They’re a daily mental workout for some, a weekend pastime for others, and a source of both immense satisfaction and occasional hair-pulling frustration for all. This week, I’ve been wrestling with a particularly persistent entry: “Play a banjo.”
It seems simple enough, doesn’t it? “Play a banjo.” Two actions, one instrument. Yet, as any seasoned crossword solver knows, appearances can be deceiving. A seemingly straightforward clue can hide a multitude of possibilities, leading down rabbit holes of synonyms, obscure historical references, and even clever wordplay.
The beauty of crossword clues lies in their ambiguity. They’re designed to be interpreted in multiple ways, forcing us to consider various angles before landing on the correct solution. This is precisely why “Play a banjo” has proven to be such a fascinating challenge.
Firstly, let’s consider the verb “play.” In the context of musical instruments, “play” can refer to the act of performing music, certainly. But it can also suggest the specific manner in which the instrument is manipulated. Are we looking for a verb that describes a
style
of playing the banjo? Perhaps something related to bluegrass, folk, or clawhammer techniques?
The banjo itself introduces another layer of complexity. While the term “banjo” is fairly specific, could the clue be subtly hinting at a less common type of banjo? Perhaps a six-string banjo, a tenor banjo, or even a banjo-adjacent instrument like a banjolele? The devil, as they say, is in the details.
We must also consider the tense of the clue. “Play a banjo” is presented in the infinitive form. This could suggest that the answer is also a verb in the infinitive, or perhaps a gerund, or even a noun that describes the
process
of playing. The possibilities are maddeningly diverse.
The length of the answer, dictated by the number of squares available in the grid, provides a crucial constraint. This eliminates countless potential solutions that simply don’t fit. However, even with this limitation, the pool of possibilities remains substantial.
Context, of course, is king in the crossword world. Examining the surrounding clues and their corresponding answers can often shed light on the overall theme or pattern of the puzzle. Are there other musical clues nearby? Are there clues that rely on puns or wordplay? Identifying such patterns can provide valuable clues in unlocking the solution to “Play a banjo.”
The satisfaction of cracking a particularly tough crossword clue is unparalleled. It’s a moment of pure intellectual triumph, a testament to the power of deduction, persistence, and a little bit of luck. And while I haven’t yet conquered “Play a banjo,” the thrill of the chase continues. Stay tuned as I continue to unravel this perplexing puzzle, exploring every possible avenue until the final piece clicks into place. I’ll document the journey, the false starts, and the eventual moment of eureka. This is the essence of the crossword puzzle experience, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Available Answers:
STRUM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – I Couldn%27t Possibly! By Joe Rodini