“Reminds and reminds.” It’s the kind of crossword clue that makes you pause, a cryptic echo reverberating in the quiet space between the grid and your mind. Deceptively simple in its construction, yet brimming with potential for linguistic gymnastics, this particular phrasing offers a classic example of what makes a truly satisfying crossword clue.
At first glance, the repetition of “reminds” might suggest a straightforward double definition, or perhaps an attempt to emphasize a single, powerful synonym. But seasoned solvers know that in the world of crosswords, nothing is ever quite as it seems. The subtle nuances of grammar, the interplay of words, and the inherent cleverness of the compiler demand a deeper dive. This isn’t just a challenge; it’s an invitation to explore the elastic nature of language itself.
When confronted with a crossword clue like this, the initial instinct might be to brainstorm synonyms for “reminds”: recalls, prompts, brings to mind, jogs memory. But the presence of “and reminds” pushes beyond mere equivalence. It suggests a persistence, an ongoing action, or perhaps even a cumulative effect. What happens when something doesn’t just remind you once, but repeatedly? It sticks. It lingers. It becomes ingrained. This journey from simple synonymy to exploring the
implication
of repeated action is often the key to unlocking a tricky crossword clue.
The word “and” itself is a powerful connector in any crossword clue. It can signify addition, parallelism, or a slight shift in perspective. Here, linking two identical verbs, it magnifies the concept. Is it emphasizing the strength of the reminder? The continuous nature of it? Or is it guiding us towards a word that inherently encapsulates both the act of reminding and the effect of being reminded, over and over? The best crossword clues often hinge on such subtle grammatical cues, transforming a familiar word into a fresh puzzle.
Consider the various ways compilers manipulate language. Could this be a cryptic definition, where the phrase as a whole paints a picture of the solution rather than directly defining it? Or perhaps it’s a charade, where parts of the solution come together to form the overall meaning of “reminds and reminds”? The beauty of solving a well-crafted crossword clue lies in considering these multiple avenues, discarding the dead ends, and pursuing the promising paths.
The mental process involves moving beyond the literal. If something “reminds and reminds,” it creates a lasting impression. It’s not fleeting; it’s enduring. It resonates. It might even haunt. These abstract concepts, born from the direct action, are frequently the fertile ground for ingenious answers to a perplexing crossword clue. It forces us to think about the
experience
of being reminded repeatedly, rather than just the dictionary definition of the verb.
Ultimately, “Reminds and reminds” is a testament to the art of crossword construction. It’s designed to make you ponder, to stretch your vocabulary, and to engage with the sheer delight of wordplay. It exemplifies how a seemingly simple phrase can conceal a wonderfully complex solution, waiting to be unearthed by a keen eye and a flexible mind. The satisfaction of finally seeing the solution to such a well-crafted crossword clue is precisely why we keep coming back to the grid, day after day, eager for the next linguistic challenge. The answer will be one of those brilliant fits that, once you see it, makes you wonder how you ever missed it.
Available Answers:
NAGS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Interwoven By Colden Longley