Some crossword clues don’t just ask for a definition; they invite a journey, a detective story unfolding across the grid. These are the gems that elevate a daily crossword from a routine mental exercise to a truly captivating intellectual pursuit. A well-crafted
crossword clue
acts as the linchpin, the ultimate reveal that brings disparate elements into a cohesive, often brilliant, whole. It’s the moment of synthesis, the satisfying click when every piece falls perfectly into place, transforming a collection of answers into a singular, elegant solution.
Consider the intriguing challenge presented by this particular
crossword clue
: “Something you might exclaim when talking about 17-, 24-, 36- or 50-Across?” This isn’t your average definition or synonym hunt. This is a meta-clue, a pointer to a grander design embedded within the puzzle itself. It signals that the answers to those numbered entries aren’t just standalone words; they are vital components of a larger theme, all culminating in a single, expressive reaction. The beauty of such a
crossword clue
lies in its promise: the promise of an “aha!” moment so profound, it warrants an exclamation, a verbal release of comprehension.
The process of tackling such a revealing
crossword clue
is often a circular dance. Seldom does one solve the revealing clue first. Instead, the seasoned solver delves into the theme answers themselves: 17-Across, 24-Across, 36-Across, and 50-Across. Each of these entries, when successfully deciphered, holds a piece of the thematic puzzle. Perhaps they share a common property, a hidden category, a witty transformation, or a subtle play on words. As each theme answer is illuminated, the solver begins to gather data points, searching for the pattern, the underlying logic that connects them all. It’s like gathering clues at a crime scene, each new piece of evidence bringing clarity to the overall mystery, patiently waiting for the central
crossword clue
to unlock the full picture.
The genius of a
crossword clue
structured this way is how it forces a deeper engagement with the wordplay. It demands not just vocabulary recall, but conceptual understanding. What common thread could possibly run through these four specific answers? What unifying idea could elicit a single, specific exclamation? The anticipation builds with each solved theme entry. You might solve 17-Across, and think, “Interesting.” Then 24-Across, and a flicker of an idea sparks. By the time 36-Across is filled, the pattern might be nascent, taking shape. And with 50-Across, the grand design suddenly crystallizes, making the overarching
crossword clue
inevitable.
That’s the moment the central
crossword clue
truly shines. Once the interconnectedness of 17-, 24-, 36- or 50-Across is fully grasped, the answer to the exclamation clue becomes not just an arbitrary word, but the only logical, fitting, and often delightful conclusion. It’s a payoff that justifies the journey, a well-earned reward for the solver’s persistence and pattern recognition. The elegance of such a theme, where a simple phrase or word can encapsulate the entire essence of several other clues, is what makes crosswords an endlessly fascinating challenge.
This type of
crossword clue
transcends mere letter-filling. It’s an invitation to appreciate the constructor’s craft, their ability to weave a narrative, a secret code, into the very fabric of the grid. It’s about that universal human experience of discovery, compressed into a single, satisfying solution. The exclamatory answer isn’t just a word; it’s the sound of comprehension, the vocalization of insight, the ultimate punchline to a meticulously constructed linguistic joke. For those who relish the intellectual gymnastics of a good puzzle, these are the moments we live for, the quintessential thrill of the daily crossword. The next time you encounter such a revealing
crossword clue
, take a moment to appreciate the intricate layers of thought and design that went into its creation. The journey to that exclamatory answer is truly its own reward.
Available Answers:
WHAT A TOOL!.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1015-25 NY Times Crossword 15 Oct 25, Wednesday