Ever stared at a seemingly straightforward crossword clue, only to find yourself drawing a blank? It’s a classic experience for any daily crossword enthusiast. Sometimes, the most deceptively simple phrases hide the most satisfying solutions. Today, we’re dissecting a prime example of this: the intriguing crossword clue, “Put away, as dinner.”
At first glance, this crossword clue might seem incredibly direct. Your mind might instantly conjure images of clearing the table, or perhaps the act of consumption itself. But the art of mastering crosswords often involves looking beyond the initial, obvious interpretations. A great crossword puzzle challenges us to consider nuances in language, common idioms, and the precise context provided by the clue. This particular crossword clue, “Put away, as dinner,” perfectly encapsulates that delightful challenge.
When you encounter a crossword clue that uses a common phrasal verb like “put away,” your first instinct might be to list all its possible meanings. “Put away” can mean to store something, to finish something, or even, in a more colloquial sense, to consume something voraciously. The critical addition here, of course, is “as dinner.” This qualifier is your golden ticket, narrowing down the vast possibilities and guiding you towards the specific context required for this daily crossword gem. Without “as dinner,” the answer could be anything from a tidy-up action to something far more complex. But with it, we’re firmly anchored in the realm of gastronomy.
Solving crosswords successfully means paying close attention to these small, yet significant, details. The words “as dinner” are not just decorative; they are essential for unlocking the correct answer to this crossword clue. They tell us that “put away” here refers to the act associated with a meal. This immediately rules out meanings related to storage or imprisonment, for instance.
Another vital strategy when faced with such a specific crossword clue is to consider the part of speech and potential tense. Is the answer a noun, a verb, an adjective? “Put away, as dinner” strongly suggests a verb, likely one that describes an action completed or engaged in with food. The phrasing implies a certain finality or thoroughness to the consumption. Many tricky crossword clues play with verb forms, so always keep an eye on whether the answer should be past tense, present participle, or an infinitive, though for this specific crossword clue, a simple verb often fits the bill.
Think about the synonyms for “consume” or “eat” that fit the more decisive, almost conclusive, tone of “put away.” This isn’t just nibbling; it implies a more substantial engagement with the meal. This is where your vocabulary and understanding of idiomatic expressions truly shine in solving crosswords. A good crossword solver knows that the most elegant answers often perfectly capture the essence of a phrase, even if they aren’t direct, one-word synonyms.
Remember, every crossword clue, even one that seems straightforward, is designed to make you think. “Put away, as dinner” is a fantastic example of how precise language directs your thought process towards a specific, often very satisfying, answer. It’s a testament to the cleverness of crossword constructors and the joy of a well-earned “aha!” moment. Keep these strategies in mind as you continue your journey through the engaging world of crossword puzzles. The right approach to a multi-faceted crossword clue like this can turn a head-scratcher into a triumphant solve.
Available Answers:
EAT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0825-25 NY Times Crossword 25 Aug 25, Monday