Tackling Tough Crossword Clues: When Priorities Matter
Welcome back, crossword aficionados! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a clue that might leave you scratching your head if you’re not thinking strategically. This particular clue focuses on a very common organizational practice, something we all do (or
should
do!) in our daily lives, both personally and professionally.
Think about it: you have a mountain of tasks staring you down. Emails to answer, errands to run, deadlines looming. How do you decide what to tackle first? Do you just pick randomly? Probably not! You need a system, a way to figure out what truly
matters
and what can wait.
This clue plays on that very principle: the act of carefully arranging tasks, not just based on urgency, but on their importance and impact. It’s about discerning the “must-do” from the “nice-to-do,” the critical from the trivial.
The wording of the clue hints at a deliberate and thoughtful process. It’s not simply about piling things up; it’s about
sorting
, a term that implies a conscious effort to categorize and rank. And the key word here is “priority.” This signifies that some projects are inherently more valuable, more pressing, or more likely to contribute to a larger goal than others.
Consider the context of the clue. Where did you encounter it? Was it in a business-themed crossword? A general knowledge puzzle? The surrounding clues can often offer subtle hints about the tone and subject matter. Is there a recurring theme of management, efficiency, or planning? If so, you’re likely on the right track.
Think about verbs that describe the action of placing items, not merely putting them there but doing so with purpose. What verbs suggest a hierarchical arrangement? What verbs imply a system based on value or consequence? Brainstorming these verbs can help you narrow down the possibilities.
This clue also encourages you to think about common workplace practices. Project management software, for example, often includes features specifically designed to do this. Employees, to managers all engage in this practice. In fact, if they didn’t, we’d probably be in some sort of chaos.
The number of letters in the answer is, of course, crucial. Does the length suggest a single word or a phrase? If it’s a phrase, consider words that are commonly used together in the context of project management or organizational psychology.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Start with the most obvious possibilities and then gradually explore more nuanced or specialized terms.
Ultimately, solving this crossword clue requires a blend of vocabulary knowledge, logical deduction, and a bit of real-world experience. So put on your thinking cap, tap into your inner project manager, and see if you can crack the code. Good luck, and happy solving!
Remember to consider synonyms for “sorts,” “projects,” and “priority” separately, then look for words that fit the number of letters and when combined mean the same thing as the clue.
Available Answers:
TRIAGES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Kathy Lowden / Ed. Patti Varol