Shorten Again, As A Dress: Cracking the Code of Crossword Clues
Crossword puzzles are a delightful way to test your vocabulary, logic, and general knowledge. But sometimes, even the most seasoned solvers can be stumped by a tricky clue. Today, we’re tackling a particularly cryptic one: “Shorten again, as a dress.”
This clue plays on the dual meaning of “shorten.” It can refer to making something shorter in length, like a dress, but it can also mean to make something less formal. This duality is key to unlocking the answer.
To decipher this clue, we need to consider:
The type of word:
The answer is likely a verb, as the clue is phrased as an action (“shorten again”).
The context:
The clue hints at a dress, suggesting a word related to clothing or fashion.
The “again” aspect:
This implies a repeated action or process.
With these clues in mind, let’s dive deeper into the possibilities. We might consider words like “hem” or “take in,” which relate to altering the length of a dress. But we also need to think about words that convey a sense of formality. Could it be a word like “simplify” or “casualize”?
Think about the different ways a dress can be “shortened” – not just in length, but in style and formality. Once you have a few possibilities, test them against the clue to see if they fit grammatically and conceptually.
Remember, crossword clues often rely on wordplay and double meanings. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore different interpretations. Good luck with your solving!
Available Answers:
RE-HEM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 16 Jul 24, Tuesday