Startle: A Crossword Clue That’ll Make You Jump!
Ah, the humble crossword clue. It can be a source of delight, frustration, and everything in between. But there’s something particularly satisfying about cracking a clue that seems especially tricky, particularly when it involves a word that feels a little less common in everyday conversation. Today, we’re diving into the world of “startle,” a word that pops up in crossword puzzles with surprising frequency.
Why is “startle” so popular among crossword constructors? It’s a word that’s versatile in its usage. It can describe a sudden, unexpected action, a feeling of surprise, or even a physical reaction like jumping or flinching. This flexibility makes it a great fit for a variety of clue types.
So, how can we approach “startle” as a crossword clue? Let’s examine some common types of clues and explore how they might be crafted around this word:
Straightforward Clues:
These are the most direct clues, offering a simple definition of the word. For example:
“
Cause to jump suddenly
“
“
Surprise suddenly
“
Wordplay Clues:
These clues rely on wordplay or puns to lead you to the answer. For example:
“
What a loud noise might do to you
“
“
A sudden movement might give you this
“
Theme-Related Clues:
When a crossword puzzle has a theme, clues can be specifically designed to fit the theme. For example, if the theme is “Animals,” a clue might be:
“
What a deer might do when surprised
“
Tricks and Traps:
Some clues will intentionally try to mislead you. These clues might use synonyms that sound similar to “startle” but have different meanings. For example:
“
Cause to be alarmed
” (This could mislead you towards “frighten” or “alarm”.)
Remember, the key to solving any crossword clue is to think outside the box and consider all the possibilities. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches and to let your intuition guide you. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
SPOOK.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 16 Aug 24, Friday