The latest daily crossword clue, “Shares a big fish story, say,” offers a classic test of one’s ability to navigate the deeper waters of figurative language and common idioms. When a crossword clue ventures into such well-known phrases, it’s often a signal that solvers need to delve deeper than the literal interpretation to unearth the hidden gem. This particular phrase is a masterpiece of suggestion, guiding the savvy crossword solver towards a very specific kind of verbal action.
A “big fish story” itself is an idiom universally understood to mean an exaggerated, often unbelievable tale. It conjures images of an angler recounting a titanic struggle with a monstrous catch, far grander than reality. The beauty of such a phrase in a crossword puzzle is its instant evocativeness. Constructors love to leverage these universally recognized expressions because they can point to a specific type of action or characteristic without explicitly stating it. For any enthusiast tackling their daily crossword, recognizing these idiomatic expressions is a crucial step.
The inclusion of “shares” suggests the act of communication, of relating an account to others. It’s not just
having
a big fish story, but
telling
it. This aspect of the crossword clue narrows the focus considerably. The subject of the answer is actively conveying information, or rather, a version of it. Furthermore, the addition of “say” at the end reinforces this, guiding us unmistakably towards a verb that describes this very action. This isn’t just about the
content
of the story, but the
delivery
of it, emphasizing the performative aspect. For anyone tackling a complex crossword clue, these subtle linguistic cues are paramount.
Many a seasoned crossword solver will tell you that phrases like “shares a big fish story, say” are prime examples of how constructors test lateral thinking. This particular crossword clue, common in many puzzles, requires looking beyond the obvious. Is the answer a simple synonym for ‘tell’? Or is there a more nuanced verb that captures the essence of exaggeration and embellishment? This is where the challenge of a truly great crossword puzzle lies, pushing one’s vocabulary beyond the most basic definitions.
When faced with such an evocative crossword clue, it’s essential to consider the spectrum of words that describe telling an untruth or exaggerating. Are we looking for a word that implies outright lying, or something softer, like stretching the truth for dramatic effect? The “big fish story” part leans heavily towards the latter – a grand, perhaps boastful, but not necessarily malicious fabrication. Sometimes, the answer to a daily crossword clue like this might be a verb that also has a connection to another domain, playing on a clever double meaning. This requires the crossword solver to consider all possibilities.
Crossword constructors are masters of precision and subtle misdirection. They choose each word in a crossword clue meticulously. “Shares a big fish story, say” isn’t just a placeholder; it’s a carefully crafted prompt. The “say” is particularly instructive, narrowing the focus to a verb that encapsulates the act of communicating something that fits the “big fish story” description. It forces the crossword puzzle solver to consider verbs that specifically denote the
telling
of tall tales, rather than just any form of speech.
Unraveling a crossword clue like this demands a careful consideration of idiom, synonymity, and the precise shade of meaning. It’s not merely about finding a word that fits the general idea of telling a story, but one that perfectly captures the spirit of
exaggeration
inherent in a “big fish story.” As you ponder this intriguing crossword challenge, remember to think about verbs that convey stretching the truth or making something appear grander than it truly is. The satisfaction of cracking such a crossword clue comes from pinpointing that exact word that perfectly encapsulates the constructor’s intent, transforming a tricky phrase into a moment of pure crossword joy.
Available Answers:
BRAGS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1010-25 NY Times Crossword 10 Oct 25, Friday