Every seasoned solver knows the thrill, and sometimes the frustration, that comes with a truly well-crafted crossword clue. It’s the linguistic dance, the subtle misdirection, the sudden “aha!” moment that keeps us coming back day after day. Some crossword clues are straightforward, others delightfully cryptic, but the most memorable ones often hover in that ambiguous space, teasing our minds with possibilities before revealing their elegant solution.
Today, let’s unpack a particularly intriguing example that might have recently stopped you in your tracks: “Run into a closet, say.”
At first glance, this crossword clue seems almost literal, conjuring images of an accidental collision in a domestic setting. But anyone familiar with the art of crossword construction knows that the surface reading is rarely the full story. Good crossword clues are masters of disguise, and this one is no exception. It compels us to look beyond the obvious, to delve into the nuances of language and idiom.
Consider the verb “run into.” In common parlance, it can indeed mean to collide with something physically. However, it also carries another, equally common meaning: to unexpectedly encounter someone or something. When you “run into” an old friend, it’s not a physical crash but a chance meeting. This duality is often a key feature of a clever crossword clue, leveraging multiple definitions of a single word to create misdirection.
Then there’s “a closet.” Literally, a small room for storage. But in figurative language, a “closet” can represent a private, hidden space, often associated with secrets or things kept concealed. Think of expressions like “skeletons in the closet,” or the metaphorical “coming out of the closet,” which speaks to revealing something previously hidden. The best crossword clues often exploit these metaphorical extensions of common nouns.
Finally, the little tag-along, “say.” This seemingly innocuous word can be a vital pointer in a crossword clue. It can indicate that what precedes it is an example, or that the phrase is an idiom, a common saying, or a less literal interpretation. It’s the crossword constructor’s way of winking at you, hinting that the answer might not be a direct noun or verb but perhaps a phrase or a more abstract concept. Many a tricky crossword clue relies on these small words to guide or mislead.
To solve a crossword clue like “Run into a closet, say,” one must engage in a process of elimination and lateral thinking. Are we looking for a word related to collision? A synonym for encountering? Perhaps something about being surprised by a secret, or a sudden, embarrassing predicament? The challenge lies in sifting through these layers of meaning. It’s about considering how the words combine to form an expression that might not be immediately obvious, but which makes perfect sense once the light bulb goes off. The beauty of such a crossword clue is its ability to make you think, to challenge your assumptions about everyday phrases. It requires you to consider context, the number of letters, and how this particular crossword clue might interact with intersecting words in the grid.
Such a crossword clue is a testament to the intricate wordplay that makes crosswords so captivating. It’s a puzzle within a puzzle, demanding not just vocabulary knowledge but also a keen ear for idiom and a willingness to explore the less-traveled paths of language. The satisfaction of cracking a complex crossword clue is unparalleled, a testament to the power of human ingenuity and linguistic agility. It’s why we continue to chase that elusive “aha!” moment, one meticulously crafted crossword clue at a time.
Available Answers:
HIDE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Wednesday’s Daily By Wendy L. Brandes / Ed. Patti Varol