“Stops lying, say.” Ah, a classic example of a crossword clue designed to make you pause, consider, and maybe even chuckle. This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s one that perfectly encapsulates the delightful double meanings and linguistic gymnastics that make these puzzles so incredibly addictive. At first glance, “lying” immediately presents two distinct paths, both equally valid in the real world, but only one, or a clever twist on one, will ultimately unlock the grid.
Is it about someone physically horizontal, perhaps in bed, who then decides to rise? Imagine a lazy Sunday morning, the sun streaming in, and a sudden burst of energy. What action would logically follow the cessation of “lying” in that context? Sits up? Gets up? Stands? These are all perfectly logical responses to that interpretation of the first word, yet the “say” always keeps us on our toes, a little asterisk in the brain. It hints at something more, a common turn of phrase, a less direct synonym, or an idiomatic expression that captures the essence of the action. This subtle addition by the setter is crucial for guiding the solver to the precise answer they’re seeking for this crossword clue.
Then there’s the more morally charged interpretation of “lying”: the act of dishonesty, of fabricating truths, of speaking falsehoods. This avenue opens up a completely different set of possibilities for our crossword clue. If someone “stops lying” in this sense, what are they doing instead? Are they confessing? Are they coming clean? Are they finally revealing the unvarnished truth after a period of deception? This interpretation often leads to more colourful, idiomatic expressions, which are a favourite of crossword setters looking to add a bit of flair and challenge to their daily offering. The “say” here could be even more potent, pushing us towards an expression that specifically means “to speak truthfully” rather than just “to be truthful.” It often indicates that the answer might be a common phrase or a more conversational way of expressing the action.
The genius of this particular crossword clue lies in its elegant brevity and the immediate mental workout it provides. It forces us to not just think about the literal definitions but also the colloquialisms, the phrasal verbs, and the subtle nuances of English. When a setter crafts a crossword clue like “Stops lying, say,” they’re not just testing your vocabulary; they’re testing your ability to navigate semantic ambiguity, to understand the unwritten rules of crossword construction, and to appreciate the art of misdirection that makes these puzzles so engaging.
Many a solver has stared at such a crossword clue, bouncing between the physical and the ethical, wondering which direction the setter truly intends. The number of letters, the surrounding letters already filled in the grid, and the overall theme of the puzzle can often provide invaluable context, but even without it, this clue stands alone as a miniature linguistic challenge. It’s a powerful reminder that every word can hold multiple meanings, and the best crossword clues exploit this wonderfully, transforming a simple phrase into a mental maze. So, when you encounter “Stops lying, say” in your next grid, remember the delightful journey it takes you on – from the bed to the confessional, from idleness to honesty, all expertly guided by that single, crucial little word: “say.”
It’s a masterclass in how a simple three-word phrase can encapsulate so much potential meaning and lead to such a satisfying “aha!” moment. This kind of expertly crafted crossword clue is precisely why we keep coming back to the grid, day after day, year after year, eager for the next verbal riddle.
Available Answers:
RISES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0913-25 NY Times Crossword 13 Sep 25, Saturday