There’s a unique satisfaction that washes over us seasoned puzzle solvers when we encounter a perfectly crafted crossword clue. It’s a moment of delightful tension, where the brain shifts gears, connecting disparate concepts and pulling from the vast lexicon of our collective memory. And every now and then, a daily crossword clue emerges that’s not just clever, but beautifully descriptive, painting a vivid picture in our minds before we even begin to chase the solution. Today, we’re diving into one such gem: “Rebound, as a pool shot.”
This particular crossword clue immediately conjures the smooth felt of a billiards table, the crisp click of ivory, and the strategic dance of balls across its surface. It’s a clue that takes us beyond simple definitions, inviting us into the world of physics, precision, and cunning angles. When a billiard ball doesn’t go directly into a pocket or strike another ball head-on, but rather hits the resilient bumper of the table, changing its trajectory, that’s the essence this clue captures. It’s about the dynamic interaction between object and boundary, the redirection of energy, and the subsequent continuation of motion in a new direction.
Think about the artistry involved in a skilled pool player’s game. They don’t just aim for direct hits; they often plan intricate sequences involving the cushions. A shot might be designed to hit one, two, or even three rails before contacting its target or sinking into a pocket. This is where the beauty of the “rebound” action truly shines. It’s not a mistake; it’s a deliberate maneuver, a calculated deflection that opens up possibilities otherwise impossible. Sometimes it’s a soft touch, gently nudging the ball off the cushion. Other times, it’s a powerful strike, sending the ball careening along the rail with incredible speed.
The phrase “Rebound, as a pool shot” for a crossword clue is brilliant because it’s specific yet evocative. It forces us to think about the
nature
of the action itself. Is it a gentle nudge or a forceful impact? Is it a change of course, a return, or a bounce? The language of billiards offers several ways to describe this phenomenon. We have terms like a ‘carom shot,’ which strictly means a deflection off another ball, but often the concept extends to include deflections off the cushions too. Then there are ‘bank shots,’ explicitly referring to shots where the cue ball or object ball hits one or more cushions before reaching its target. And let’s not forget the simple physics concept of ‘ricochet,’ a term frequently used outside of billiards but perfectly applicable to the way a ball might bounce off a solid surface.
When faced with such a compelling crossword clue, the approach isn’t just about finding a synonym. It’s about understanding the nuances of the action described. What is the core function of this ‘rebound’ in the context of pool? It’s about redirection, certainly. It’s about using the edges of the playing field to one’s advantage. It’s about the ball interacting with the boundary and coming back into play, or continuing its journey along a new path. This imagery is crucial for unlocking the answer to this particular crossword clue.
So, as you ponder this fascinating crossword clue, let the green felt and the sharp angles guide your mind. Consider the synonyms for redirection, for bouncing, for hitting a boundary and continuing. The answer is a concise, powerful word that perfectly encapsulates this fundamental billiard maneuver. It’s a word that’s not just a definition, but a description of motion and strategy, precisely what makes a great crossword clue truly unforgettable.
Available Answers:
BANK.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1118-25 NY Times Crossword 18 Nov 25, Tuesday