So Long, Farewell, Au Revoir, and… Sign-What-Now? A Deep Dive into Crossword Farewells
Welcome, fellow cruciverbalists, to another exploration of the wonderful, and sometimes wonderfully obscure, world of crossword clues! Today, we’re tackling a particular type of clue that appears with surprising frequency: the farewell. But not just any farewell. We’re specifically looking at clues that take the form of “Sign-___ (farewells)“.
This structure, “Sign-___,” immediately suggests a few things to the seasoned solver. First, it implies we’re not looking for a single word answer. The presence of the hyphen indicates a compound word or a phrase. Second, the word “Sign” strongly hints at an indication, a symbol, or a gesture. We’re not simply looking for a word that
means
goodbye; we’re looking for something that
represents
it.
This adds a layer of complexity. We need to think beyond the immediate synonyms of farewell. Consider: what are the common visual or auditory cues we associate with saying goodbye? Think beyond spoken words. What nonverbal signals often accompany departures?
The length of the answer, indicated by the number of spaces in the grid, is, as always, our first concrete clue. This will drastically narrow down the possibilities. A three-letter answer is going to require a very different approach than a seven-letter one.
Next, consider the common crossword conventions. Are there any usual suspects, phrases or words that crop up repeatedly in crossword puzzles related to this theme? Thinking about those reliable standbys can often unlock a difficult clue. Don’t dismiss the familiar!
And of course, context is king (or queen!). Where does this clue appear in the grid? What are the intersecting letters? These intersecting letters can act as incredibly valuable anchors, providing definite letters within our unknown phrase. They can completely reshape our understanding of what we’re looking for.
Sometimes, the best approach is to brainstorm related concepts. Think about situations where farewells occur: airports, train stations, parties, funerals. What are the signs associated with these places? Are there specific actions or objects that represent a parting? Think of waving hands, flashing lights, even particular pieces of clothing.
Don’t underestimate the power of wordplay, either. Crossword clues often employ clever puns, hidden meanings, and misdirection. Is the “Sign” in this clue referring to a literal sign, or is it being used metaphorically? Could it be a homophone, sounding like another word that’s relevant?
Remember, patience is your ally in the crossword game. Don’t be afraid to leave a tricky clue and return to it later. Sometimes, a break can provide the fresh perspective needed to crack the code. Solving other parts of the puzzle may indirectly illuminate the answer by providing those crucial intersecting letters.
So, as you stare down that “Sign-___ (farewells)” clue, remember to engage all your crossword-solving skills. Think visually, think conceptually, think linguistically, and, most importantly, think outside the box. Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
OFFS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – It%27s The End Of The World As We Know It By Adrian Johnson