Ever stare at a
crossword clue
, a seemingly simple string of words, only to find yourself utterly stumped? It’s a common experience for even the most seasoned
crossword puzzle
solvers. Sometimes, the most frustrating
crossword clue
isn’t a complex scientific term or an obscure geographical location, but rather a well-known phrase or idiom that just won’t click into place. These idiomatic
crossword clues
are designed to make you think laterally, to look beyond the literal meaning of the words presented.
Today, we’re diving into one such phrase, a timeless piece of advice often presented as a multi-word entry in your
daily crossword
. It’s a
crossword clue
that speaks to the perils of concentrating all your resources or hopes into a single venture, warning against the potential for total loss if that one venture fails. This
challenging crossword clue
often appears in longer formats, requiring multiple blanks to be filled, making it a satisfying “Aha!” moment when it finally dawns on you.
The essence of this particular
crossword clue
lies in its vivid imagery. Imagine a farmer, carefully gathering their fragile produce. If they were to place every single one of those delicate items into just one container, and that container were to break or be dropped, the entire harvest would be lost. This simple, relatable scenario encapsulates the core message: diversification is key to mitigating risk. Whether in finance, career choices, or even personal relationships, scattering your efforts can often safeguard you from catastrophic failure.
Tracing the origins of such a deeply ingrained
idiom crossword clue
can be fascinating. While its exact coinage is hard to pinpoint, the sentiment behind it is ancient. The wisdom of not relying too heavily on one single outcome can be found in proverbs and fables across many cultures. One notable early appearance in English literature is often attributed to the philosopher Erasmus in his
Adagia
(1500), a collection of Greek and Latin proverbs. Later, it gained popularity through works like Cervantes’
Don Quixote
(1605), where it appears as a direct piece of advice, warning against concentrating all efforts into a single, potentially risky endeavor.
This enduring relevance is precisely why it continues to be such a popular
crossword clue
. It’s a piece of universal wisdom, easily understood, yet sometimes surprisingly hard to recall under the pressure of a ticking clock or the desire to complete your
cryptic crossword
grid. Understanding the historical context and the simple, powerful metaphor behind such phrases can often be the key to unlocking them. When you encounter a
crossword clue
that feels like a piece of advice, pause and consider the foundational wisdom it conveys.
It’s a reminder that solving
crossword puzzles
isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about understanding culture, history, and common sense. Each
crossword clue
can be a mini-lesson, an invitation to delve deeper into the nuances of language. And when you finally piece together a long, complex idiom from just a few starting letters, the satisfaction is immense. It’s a victory not just over the grid, but a small triumph of linguistic understanding.
So, the next time you face a multi-word
crossword clue
advising caution against excessive concentration, remember the fragile nature of a singular point of failure. It’s a fundamental principle that guides prudent decision-making, both in life and in conquering your
daily crossword
.
Available Answers:
BETTHERANCH.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Saturday’s Daily By Emily Biegas / Ed. Patti Varol