The satisfaction of a well-crafted crossword puzzle isn’t just in filling in the squares; it’s often found in the subtle dance between a clever constructor and an attentive solver. There are those brilliant moments when a theme slowly unfurls, revealing itself not with a bang, but with a series of gentle nudges from across the grid. Every now and then, a particular
crossword clue
stands out, acting as the linchpin, the ultimate reveal that ties seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive, delightful whole.
Today, we’re diving into precisely that kind of
crossword clue
, one that promises a delightful journey of discovery. It reads: “Salty snack whose varieties are found at the ends of 18-, 24-, 52- and 61-Across.” This isn’t just any ordinary definition; it’s an instruction, a roadmap to the puzzle’s very heart. For any aspiring
crossword clue
master, these types of theme-revealing entries are the jewels in the crown, offering an extra layer of challenge and immense gratification once cracked.
What makes a
crossword clue
like this so compelling? It’s the inherent trust it places in the solver to piece together the larger narrative. You can’t simply guess this answer from its definition alone. Instead, it directs your attention to specific locations within the grid, turning the act of solving into a treasure hunt. The “ends of 18-, 24-, 52- and 61-Across” is the first critical piece of information. This immediately signals that your primary task isn’t to think of a salty snack off the top of your head, but rather to first tackle those other Across entries.
As you methodically work your way through the grid, filling in the surrounding words, you’ll eventually arrive at 18-Across, then 24-Across, and so on. The magic happens when you look at the final letters or words that complete these specific entries. The
crossword clue
explicitly states “varieties are found at the ends,” which is a significant hint. This isn’t just about finding four random words; it’s about finding four words that represent different forms or types of a single, unifying concept.
The category “salty snack” itself is broad and inviting. Think about the sheer array of crunchy, savory delights that could fall under that umbrella. This clue challenges you to hold that general category in your mind while simultaneously extracting specific components from other parts of the puzzle. It’s a multi-layered thought process: solve the constituent parts, identify their terminal elements, recognize the pattern or commonality among those elements, and finally, distill that understanding back to the broader “salty snack” category that ties them all together.
The true joy of a particularly clever
crossword clue
like this one is the ‘aha!’ moment. It’s the instant when the penny drops, when the pieces click into place, and you realize the elegant simplicity of the constructor’s design. It’s not just about getting the answer; it’s about appreciating the journey to get there, the subtle misdirection, and the eventual, satisfying revelation. This kind of thematic brilliance elevates a good puzzle to a great one.
So, as you ponder this intriguing
crossword clue
, remember the journey it implicitly asks you to take. It’s a testament to the power of wordplay and the intricate connections that can be woven into a grid. Don’t rush to the conclusion; instead, savor the process of discovery, letting the full picture emerge as you unveil each piece of the puzzle.
Available Answers:
PRETZEL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0902-25 NY Times Crossword 2 Sep 25, Tuesday