There are those moments in crossword solving when a clue appears, seemingly innocuous, yet holding layers of potential meaning that demand a deeper dive. Today, we’re unpacking one such gem: the deceptively simple
“Rather thick“
.
At first glance, a crossword clue like this might lead you down a straightforward path. Is it describing a physical attribute? Perhaps something broad, something deep, or something with a substantial girth? The English language, in all its glorious ambiguity, offers a plethora of options here. Imagine a fabric that isn’t quite sheer, a forest that is dense with trees, or a book that’s a weighty tome. Each of these could, in some context, be “rather thick.” Understanding the specific angle of a crossword clue often requires looking at the surrounding letters, the length of the answer, and perhaps even the theme of the puzzle itself.
But the beauty – and sometimes the frustration – of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its capacity for multiple interpretations. “Rather thick” isn’t solely confined to the physical realm. Consider the intellectual plane. When we describe someone as “thick,” we’re certainly not talking about their waistline. This alternative meaning, implying a lack of quick understanding or perhaps even outright foolishness, is a common wellspring for crossword setters. They thrive on these linguistic twists, challenging solvers to think beyond the most obvious definition. This duality is a hallmark of many an intriguing crossword clue, pushing us to explore synonyms and colloquialisms alike.
Then there’s the consistency of a substance. A sauce that hasn’t quite reduced enough might be too watery, but one that’s been overcooked could be described as “rather thick.” Or think of a fog: a light mist is one thing, but a dense, impenetrable pea-souper certainly fits the description. The nuances hidden within a seemingly simple phrase can be truly astounding, and mastering them is key to conquering any challenging crossword clue.
The journey to cracking such a crossword clue often involves a mental thesaurus dump. You might jot down words like
dense, stout, corpulent, obtuse, opaque, sluggish, stodgy
. The trick is then to see which of these fits the available letters and, crucially, which aligns with the setter’s intended meaning. Are they going for a straightforward synonym, a clever play on words, or a more obscure, but perfectly valid, definition? The satisfaction comes not just from filling in the blanks, but from unravelling the setter’s thought process, anticipating their linguistic traps and delights.
A great crossword clue like “Rather thick” teaches us to be agile thinkers, to consider every angle before committing to an answer. It reminds us that common words often hide uncommon meanings, and that the thrill of the solve is in the discovery of those hidden layers. It’s a testament to the power of language and the ingenuity of crossword compilers that such a short phrase can spark so much contemplation. The path to victory often lies in exploring all avenues that a deceptively simple crossword clue presents. It’s not just about finding the word; it’s about appreciating the journey of discovery that each intriguing crossword clue offers.
Available Answers:
DENSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Robin Stears / Ed. Patti Varol