The crossword clue “Retired record holder?” immediately presents a delightful challenge, characteristic of the best word puzzles. When you encounter a
crossword clue
like this, your mind naturally jumps to multiple interpretations, and that’s precisely what constructors intend. It’s a masterclass in ambiguity, where seemingly straightforward words are twisted just enough to demand a second, third, or even fourth look. The cunning of such a clue lies in its ability to suggest one common scenario while slyly hinting at another, more literal or pun-based meaning.
Let’s dissect this intriguing
crossword clue
. The word “Retired” is a prime candidate for wordplay. In its most common usage, it means someone has ceased employment, moved on from their active career. A “retired record holder,” in this sense, would be an athlete or a champion who no longer competes but whose past achievements remain in the annals. However, crosswords rarely settle for the obvious. We must consider other meanings. Could “re-tired” be a hint? As in, something that has had new tires put on it? This kind of phonetic or hyphenated wordplay is a staple of many a tricky
crossword clue
. The idea of something being “re-tired” hints at a physical object, perhaps something that wears out and gets replaced, bringing an inanimate object into play rather than a person.
Then we have “record holder.” This phrase, too, is rich with possibilities. A “record holder” could be an individual who has set an achievement that stands unmatched, like a world record in sports. But it could also refer to an object. What physically
holds
a record? A record player, perhaps, or a record sleeve. Or, more broadly, an archival system that
holds
records (documents, data). The beauty of this specific
crossword clue
lies in its ability to straddle these literal and figurative meanings, forcing solvers to consider every angle before settling on the most elegant fit. It’s a classic misdirection, guiding you towards human achievement when the answer might be something far more tangible.
The synergy between “Retired” and “record holder?” is where the magic truly happens. Are we looking for a person who used to achieve greatness? Or an object associated with records that has been re-equipped or replaced? The question mark at the end is a classic signal from the constructor: “Beware! A pun, a play on words, or a non-literal interpretation is likely at play.” It’s an invitation to think outside the box, to go beyond the initial, surface-level understanding of the words. This kind of
crossword clue
often hinges on a single, unexpected twist that, once discovered, makes the answer seem incredibly obvious and satisfying. It’s a rewarding “aha!” moment that makes solving
crossword puzzles
so addictive.
To approach such a
crossword clue
, veteran solvers often employ a few strategies. First, consider the part of speech. Is the answer likely to be a noun, an adjective, or a verb? For “Retired record holder?“, a noun seems most probable – either a person or a thing. Second, think about double meanings or homophones for each significant word. “Retired” is a strong candidate for this, particularly when considering the potential for a hyphenated reading. Third, consider the possibility of a charade, where different parts of the clue lead to different parts of the answer. However, for a phrase as tightly knit as this, a unified concept derived from sophisticated wordplay is more probable.
Many excellent
crossword puzzles
feature clues that cleverly mislead by presenting a very common scenario (a person retiring from a career) and then veering into an entirely different, often inanimate, concept. The “retired” aspect might not refer to someone’s career at all, but to an action performed upon an object. And the “record holder” might not be a champion, but something that physically engages with or contains records. The key is to detach the words from their most conventional pairings and see how they might combine in a surprising way. It’s about recognizing the constructor’s sly wink and appreciating the linguistic dexterity required to craft such a compelling
crossword clue
.
When you encounter a
crossword clue
that feels like a brick wall, stepping away and coming back with fresh eyes can often reveal the hidden meaning. Sometimes, the brain needs a moment to reset and allow for creative interpretations to surface. The subtle art of these puzzles lies in their ability to make you feel both frustrated and brilliantly clever within minutes. This particular clue is a prime example of a constructor’s skill in crafting an elegant, misleading, yet ultimately fair challenge. It encourages a deep dive into the English language, exploring its nuances, its puns, and its wonderful ambiguities, making it a truly engaging
crossword clue
to decipher.
Available Answers:
IPOD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Doug Peterson / Patti Varol