Cracking the Crossword Clue: ‘Start of a joke‘
It’s a deceptively simple phrase, isn’t it? When a crossword clue like ‘Start of a joke’ appears in the grid, it feels less like a test of knowledge and more like an invitation. There’s no obscure historical figure to recall or complex anagram to untangle. Instead, this clue taps directly into a shared cultural rhythm, the familiar cadence that signals a punchline is on its way. Solving this type of crossword clue is about reaching for a piece of language so common, it’s practically automatic. The challenge, then, isn’t in knowing the answer, but in identifying which of the many possibilities the puzzle constructor has chosen for today’s grid.
Our first instinct is to cycle through the classics. There’s the one that involves a repetitive call and response, a formal back-and-forth that every child learns. It’s a two-word phrase that is, itself, a question. Then there’s the vast category of narrative setups, often beginning with a character entering a specific establishment—a classic trope that has launched a million groan-worthy puns. This familiar scenario is a cornerstone of stand-up comedy and barroom humor.
This particular crossword clue asks us to pinpoint the very first words. Consider the structure. Is it a question? A statement? An exclamation? Puzzles often hinge on this kind of precision. A clue for “Why did the chicken…” is different from a clue for “A priest and a rabbi…” Each has its own distinct pattern and letter count. When you encounter a broad crossword clue like this one, it’s a signal to pause and survey the landscape of your puzzle.
Here is where the real art of solving comes into play. Without the grid, this crossword clue has dozens of potential answers. But with the grid, there is only one. The number of empty squares is your most powerful hint. A short, five-letter space immediately rules out the longer, more narrative beginnings. A two-word answer with a specific letter count will point you directly toward one of the most iconic formats in jest.
Look at the letters you’ve already filled in from other clues. Is there a ‘K’ sitting in a strategic spot? Does an ‘A’ lead the phrase? Every cross is a signpost, mercilessly eliminating the wrong paths and illuminating the correct one. This is the beauty of a well-constructed crossword puzzle; it provides you with all the tools you need. The clue offers the general theme, but the intersecting letters provide the specific, undeniable confirmation.
So, as you stare at those empty squares, let the rhythm of classic humor be your guide. Think of the simplest, most foundational ways a joke can begin. Say them aloud. Which one has the right number of letters? Which one aligns with the letters already peeking through? The answer isn’t hiding in a dictionary; it’s waiting in the familiar, shared language of a good laugh. The puzzle is simply asking you to write down the opening line.
Available Answers:
KNOCK KNOCK.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0917-25 NY Times Crossword 17 Sep 25, Wednesday