There are some days when a crossword just clicks, and then there are days when a particular crossword clue stares back at you, daring you to unravel its intricate layers. Today’s puzzle presented one of those truly satisfying challenges, proving once again why we all love this linguistic dance.
The central theme, articulated through the delightfully cryptic “Returns to the beginning, as suggested by the phonetic formula found at the starts of 17-, 37-, and 42-Across,” was a masterclass in construction. It wasn’t just about finding synonyms or decoding anagrams; this particular crossword clue invited us on a deeper linguistic journey.
Immediately, my eyes darted to the indicated Across clues. 17-Across, 37-Across, and 42-Across. The instruction “starts of” was our first major hint. This wasn’t about the full answers themselves, but rather the very first sounds or syllables of those answers. This kind of thematic element always elevates a puzzle from good to great, requiring not just lexical knowledge but an ear for phonetics.
The “phonetic formula” aspect is where the genius truly lies. It’s not about spelling; it’s about sound. Imagine piecing together an auditory puzzle. When you look at the starting letters of 17-, 37-, and 42-Across, the solver is prompted to
say
them aloud, to listen for the subtle connections. The combination of these initial sounds doesn’t form a word in the traditional sense, but rather a sequence that, when spoken, directly points to the overall theme. It’s an auditory pun, a clever play on how language sounds rather than how it’s written.
This type of theme rewards careful attention and a willingness to think outside the box. It demands that you don’t just fill in the blanks, but truly engage with the puzzle’s underlying architecture. The “returns to the beginning” part of the main crossword clue then becomes perfectly clear once those phonetic pieces are aligned. It’s a wonderful moment of “aha!” when the auditory sequence you’ve uncovered perfectly encapsulates the concept of returning to square one, or cycling back.
It’s these moments that define the joy of solving a well-crafted crossword. The way the setter managed to weave together disparate words through a subtle phonetic thread, all leading to a cohesive and elegant thematic revelation, is simply brilliant. This wasn’t just a puzzle; it was an experience. And for anyone who appreciates a clever crossword clue, this one certainly delivered. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound insights come from simply listening.
Available Answers:
COMESFULLCIRCLE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Joe Rodini / Ed. Patti Varol