Feeling the Heat? This “Summer Temp, Say” Clue Might Just Be the Cool Drink You Need!
Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, long days, and… the occasional cryptic crossword clue that makes you squint at the page. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Staring at a seemingly simple phrase like “Summer temp, say” and feeling a familiar blend of anticipation and mild frustration. It’s the kind of clue that feels
so
close, yet the answer just hovers out of reach, like an ice cream cone melting just a little too quickly.
Today, we’re diving headfirst into a particularly summery challenge. This isn’t about complex wordplay or obscure historical figures. This is about the everyday sensations, the sensory experiences that define this vibrant season. And when a crossword setter throws a phrase like “Summer temp, say” at us, they’re tapping into something universal. They’re hinting at the very essence of what it means to feel the sun on your skin, the gentle breeze (or sometimes, not so gentle!) rustling through leaves, and the overall atmospheric shift that signals the arrival of our favorite warm-weather months.
Think about it. What are the first things that come to mind when you picture a “summer temp”? Is it the gentle warmth that allows for leisurely outdoor activities? Or perhaps the more intense heat that demands seeking shade and a refreshing beverage? The beauty of a good crossword clue, especially one as straightforward as this appears, is its ability to evoke a range of associations. It’s not just about a single definition; it’s about a spectrum of possibilities, a tapestry woven from shared experiences.
When you see “Summer temp, say,” your mind might immediately jump to numbers. Temperatures are, after all, quantifiable. But a crossword clue rarely deals in such directness. The “say” is the key here. It’s an invitation to think less about precise figures and more about the
kind
of temperature we’re talking about. It’s a prompt for inference, for a little bit of lateral thinking. It’s the difference between being told “it’s 85 degrees” and someone remarking, “it’s
hot
out there today, say, probably in the mid-eighties.” The latter, while less precise, is often more descriptive, more evocative.
This clue is a masterclass in subtle suggestion. It’s not asking you to define the exact degree Celsius or Fahrenheit. Instead, it’s asking you to capture the
feeling
of a summer temperature, the general vibe, the commonly accepted understanding of what constitutes a warm summer day. The “say” acts as a conversational flourish, a nod to how we often speak about the weather in an informal, approximating way. It’s the kind of language you’d use when chatting with a neighbor over the fence, or when deciding whether to pack a light jacket for an evening stroll.
Consider the possibilities that “Summer temp, say” opens up. We’re not necessarily looking for a single, definitive number. We might be thinking of a range, a general descriptor, or even a more informal way of expressing warmth. This clue encourages us to move beyond the purely scientific and tap into our collective understanding of seasonality. It’s about capturing the essence of warmth, the comfortable (or sometimes, less comfortable!) conditions that define the summer months.
So, as you stare at your crossword grid and this particular clue pops up, take a moment. Breathe in, as if you’re taking a deep breath of summer air. What sensations does that bring? What words bubble to the surface? This clue isn’t designed to be a puzzle of impossible complexity. It’s designed to be an accessible entry point, a familiar concept translated into the language of cryptic crosswords. It’s a reminder that even the most everyday aspects of our lives can find their way into the grid, offering a moment of satisfying recognition. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
INTERN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1118-25 NY Times Crossword 18 Nov 25, Tuesday