Feeling the Squeeze: Decoding Another Cryptic Crossword Clue
The crossword puzzle. It’s a daily mental sparring match for some, a weekend wind-down for others, and a source of intense frustration (and occasional triumph) for everyone. The beauty of a well-constructed crossword lies in its ability to use language in surprising and inventive ways. A familiar word can be twisted and manipulated, its meaning layered and obscured, until the solver is forced to think outside the box.
Today’s linguistic conundrum comes in the form of the clue “Pressed (on).” It’s a deceptively simple pairing of words, but as any seasoned crossword solver knows, simplicity can be the ultimate camouflage. A clue like this begs the question: What exactly are we being asked to consider?
The first word, “Pressed,” immediately brings to mind the literal action of applying force. We might visualize a garment being ironed, grapes being crushed for wine, or even a button being pushed. The possibilities seem almost endless when you only consider the basic function of the word.
Then we have the slightly more ambiguous “on.” Is it acting as a preposition, implying a direction or target for the pressing action? Does it introduce a condition or a state of being? Or could it perhaps be part of a phrasal verb, subtly altering the meaning of “pressed”?
The parenthetical “on” signals that the answer might rely heavily on wordplay. This is the moment where we must set aside conventional thinking and embrace the tricks and traps that the puzzle maker has laid out for us. Synonyms, homophones, anagrams, reversals – all the usual suspects are now in play.
We might want to consider common synonyms for “pressed.” Words like urged, pushed, compelled, or even influenced might offer a pathway to the solution. Is there a connection between any of these synonyms and the word “on”? Can we combine them in a way that reveals the hidden answer?
Furthermore, we can also try interpreting the phrase “pressed on” as a single unit. Does it conjure a particular image, situation, or even a well-known idiom? The more angles from which we attack the clue, the better our chances of cracking the code.
As a last resort, and with a healthy dose of humility, considering the grid itself can provide valuable clues. The number of letters in the answer is a crucial piece of information. The intersecting letters from already-solved clues act as anchors, limiting the possibilities and guiding us towards the correct solution.
Cracking cryptic clues can be difficult, but ultimately rewarding. While the challenge is frustrating, the moment of revelation is almost exhilarating. So keep thinking, keep brainstorming, and remember to embrace the joy of the puzzle!
Available Answers:
URGED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Monday’s Daily By Doug Peterson / Ed. Patti Varol