Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cracking a particularly knotty crossword clue, is there? Today, we’re diving headfirst into one of those delightful little brain-teasers that, at first glance, seems straightforward but quickly reveals layers of potential interpretation. The kind that makes you pause, scratch your chin, and perhaps even stare blankly at your coffee cup for a moment.
The specific daily crossword clue we’re tackling today is: “Spots that might smear.”
Right, “Spots that might smear.” Take a moment. What are your immediate thoughts? For many of us, the first instinct is to visualize something concrete, something tangible that fits the description. The beauty of solving crossword clues, however, lies in considering all angles, especially those clever linguistic curveballs setters are so fond of throwing.
Let’s break this particular crossword puzzle clue down, word by word, and explore the avenues it opens up.
First, “Spots.” This immediately brings to mind several possibilities. Are we talking about physical marks, like a spot of dirt or a spot of paint? Or perhaps blemishes, like a spot on one’s skin? The plural “Spots” is a crucial detail; our answer will almost certainly need to be in the plural form as well. This simple ‘s’ can often be the key to distinguishing between multiple potential answers when you’re seeking help with crossword clues.
Then, “that might smear.” The operative word here is “might.” It implies potential, not a certainty. These “spots” aren’t
always
smeared, but they
can be
. This ‘might’ is a common tool in crafting challenging crossword clues, as it broadens the field of possibilities. If the clue said “Spots that
do
smear,” the answer pool would be much narrower. But “might” suggests a characteristic, a quality, rather than a constant state.
So, what kinds of things fit this description?
Consider the literal interpretation first. What physical substances, when found as “spots,” are prone to smearing? Think about everyday occurrences. A dab of paint could be a spot that might smear if brushed against. A droplet of ink could leave a spot that, with a swipe, would smear across the page. What about a muddy footprint? A spot of grease on a kitchen counter? These are all strong contenders in the initial brainstorming phase of decoding any tricky crossword clue. They are physical, they appear as “spots,” and they certainly “might smear.”
But let’s not limit ourselves to just the most obvious. Crossword setters are notorious for their wordplay. Could “smear” have a figurative meaning here? We talk about smearing someone’s reputation, for example. However, “spots” doesn’t lend itself as naturally to that interpretation in this context. “Spots” as in specific locations (like “tourist spots”) also doesn’t quite gel with “smear” in any logical sense. This is where experience with crossword clues comes in handy – learning to identify which figurative paths are red herrings and which are genuinely part of the puzzle’s design.
The key to unlocking this particular crossword clue lies in finding a common, everyday item or substance that perfectly marries both “spots” and the
potential
for “smearing.” It needs to be something that regularly manifests as distinct marks or blemishes and possesses that inherent quality of being easily spread or blurred if disturbed. The beauty of such clues is how they make us think about the properties of the world around us in a slightly different light.
As you ponder this challenging crossword clue, try to envision scenarios where a “spot” becomes a “smear.” What is the
nature
of that “spot” before it’s disturbed? Is it liquid? Semi-solid? A fine powder? Each possibility nudges us closer to the intended solution. Don’t rush it; the joy is in the journey of deduction.
We’ll leave you to chew on this for now. Keep those mental gears turning, and remember, every tricky crossword clue conquered builds your skill for the next one!
Available Answers:
ATTACKADS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Amie Walker & Wendy L. Brandes / Ed. Patti Varol