Oh, what a joy it is when a crossword clue truly makes you stop, ponder, and then erupt in a fit of delighted “aha!” That’s exactly the kind of experience we’re diving into today, my fellow word wizards. We’ve all been there, staring at a particularly gnarly grid, wondering if we’ll ever crack the central mystery. But then, a truly brilliant theme emerges, weaving through the puzzle like a golden thread, and suddenly, everything clicks.
Today’s focus revolves around a fantastic little gem of a revealer: “Sarcastic question answered by the starts of 17-, 25-, 51- and 59-Across.” Now, if that doesn’t pique your interest as a dedicated crossword solver, I don’t know what will! This isn’t just any old crossword clue; it’s a meta-clue, a key to unlocking a deeper layer of the puzzle’s genius. These kinds of themes are my absolute favorite because they reward careful attention to detail and a good dose of lateral thinking.
When you first encounter a
crossword clue
like this, it’s like being handed a treasure map. You know there’s a payoff, a witty phrase or concept waiting to be unearthed, but you have to do the legwork. The beauty here lies in the “sarcastic question” aspect. Immediately, your brain starts whirring, sifting through common idioms and phrases that fit the bill. What kind of question, usually delivered with an eye-roll or a heavy sigh, could possibly be hinted at by the
starts
of four seemingly disparate answers? That’s the magic!
It forces you to look at those other numbered clues (17-Across, 25-Across, 51-Across, and 59-Across) with fresh eyes. No longer are they just individual pieces of the puzzle; they become fragments of a larger narrative, each initial letter a vital breadcrumb leading to the grand reveal. This layered approach is what separates a good crossword from a truly great one. It’s not just about knowing definitions; it’s about recognizing patterns, understanding wordplay, and appreciating the constructor’s cleverness.
Think about the satisfaction when those four initial letters finally come together to form a coherent, even famous, sarcastic question. It’s the kind of moment that makes you want to high-five the grid itself! It’s proof that you’ve not only solved the individual
crossword clue
entries but also deciphered the overarching theme, the constructor’s secret message.
We’re not going to spoil the fun by revealing the answer here – oh no, that would take all the joy out of the hunt! But suffice it to say, when you piece together the beginnings of 17-, 25-, 51-, and 59-Across, you’re in for a real treat. The question itself is wonderfully apt and perfectly sarcastic, delivering that satisfying punchline that makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s a testament to how creative and engaging a well-crafted crossword can be.
So, grab your pen (or your keyboard, if you’re a digital solver!), revisit those key entries, and prepare for a moment of genuine crossword enlightenment. This particular
crossword clue
and its thematic answer will remind you why you love the challenge of the daily puzzle. Happy solving, and may your “aha!” moments be plentiful!
Available Answers:
SO, WHAT ELSE IS NEW?.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0901-25 NY Times Crossword 1 Sep 25, Monday