Wrestling With Words: This Week’s Sticky Crossword Clue
Welcome back, fellow cruciverbalists! This week, we’re tackling a deceptively simple crossword clue that had me scratching my head for a solid few minutes. It’s the kind of clue that looks straightforward on the surface, but then throws you a curveball with its clever wording. We’re digging into all the possible avenues of thought a seasoned solver might explore when faced with this particular brain teaser. The clue in question? Let’s just say it revolves around the mundane task of dealing with laundry. More precisely, it’s:
“Remove from a clothesline, say“
Right away, your brain probably jumps to the literal. What action are we performing when we’re finished with our freshly cleaned clothes after they’ve enjoyed a sun-drenched drying session? Think about the physicality of the act. Are we pulling, grasping, detaching, or something else entirely? Consider the rhythm of the action. Is it a quick, decisive movement, or a more careful and deliberate process?
The “say” at the end of the clue is our signal that this isn’t just about the plain and obvious. It’s an indicator that we might need to broaden our perspective and think more figuratively, or even look for a more nuanced synonym. This little word is often the key to unlocking the trickiest clues, so don’t underestimate its power!
Let’s delve into some potential avenues:
Consider the Tools:
What objects are commonly used in conjunction with a clothesline? Do any of those objects lend themselves to words that might fit the clue? Perhaps we’re not focusing on the clothes themselves, but on the tools used to secure them.
Think About the Context:
What is the purpose of a clothesline? It’s used for drying clothes. So, could the answer be related to the process of drying itself? Are there alternative words or phrases that describe what happens when clothes are removed after they’re dry?
Synonyms for “Remove”:
Let’s brainstorm some synonyms for “remove.” Are we detaching, extracting, reclaiming, or retrieving? Consider which of these words, or their shorter, more crossword-friendly counterparts, might fit the overall theme of the clue.
The Implied Subject:
The clue doesn’t explicitly state
who
is removing the clothes. Could the answer be related to the person performing the action? Or perhaps a role or a task associated with laundry duty?
Letter Count is King:
And of course, the most practical advice: Don’t forget the number of squares available in the crossword grid! This can dramatically narrow down your choices and help eliminate possibilities that might seem plausible at first glance.
Remember, successful crossword solving is a blend of vocabulary, logic, and a little bit of intuition. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, explore different angles, and let your mind wander. Sometimes the answer is staring you right in the face, hidden in plain sight. Good luck cracking this week’s clue! Happy solving!
Available Answers:
UNPEG.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0813-25 NY Times Crossword 13 Aug 25, Wednesday