Welcome, fellow word sleuths, to another dive into the intricate world of crossword puzzles! Today, we’re tackling a particularly intriguing
crossword clue
that often gives solvers pause: “Swear off, with ‘of’.” This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a masterclass in how constructors guide us with subtle yet powerful phrasing. For anyone poring over their daily crossword and finding themselves stumped, let’s dissect this phrase and illuminate the path to its solution, all without revealing the answer itself.
The brilliance of a
crossword clue
like “Swear off, with ‘of'” lies in its directness combined with a linguistic twist. “Swear off” on its own is a common idiom, meaning to resolve to abstain from something, to quit a habit, or to give up a vice. But the addition of “with ‘of'” is where the real clue-solving magic happens. This isn’t just a hint; it’s a structural necessity for the answer you’re seeking. It tells you that the word or phrase you need to slot into your
crossword puzzle
grid must naturally precede “of” to form a complete, coherent phrasal verb or idiomatic expression.
When encountering such a
crossword clue
, seasoned solvers immediately think about phrasal verbs. English is rich with them, and they are a frequent source of material for
crossword puzzles
. These are verbs combined with a preposition or adverb (or both!) to create a new meaning. In this case, “swear off” is itself a phrasal verb. The “with ‘of'” indicates that the
answer
you’re looking for will complete a different phrasal construct, one that expresses the same idea as “swear off” but
ends
with a word that then takes “of.” It’s about finding a synonym for “swear off” that fits a specific grammatical structure.
Think about synonyms for giving up, abstaining, or renouncing. What words come to mind? Now, consider which of those words or short phrases would logically be followed by “of” to convey the same meaning as “swear off.” This process of contextual synonymity is key to unraveling many a tricky
crossword clue
. Sometimes, the answer isn’t a single verb but part of a common idiom that starts with a verb and needs “of” to complete its sense. This type of
clue analysis
requires not just vocabulary but also a good grasp of idiomatic expressions.
Many solvers find these types of
crossword clues
rewarding because they test more than just rote memorization of words. They demand an understanding of English syntax and idiomatic usage. The phrase “Swear off, with ‘of'” is designed to make you consider the subtle nuances of language. Are you looking for a single word, or perhaps a two-word solution where the first word is the answer and the second is “of”? The dashes or enumeration given in your
crossword puzzle
will usually provide the exact length, which is another critical piece of information when you’re trying to crack a
crossword clue
.
Don’t get discouraged if this
crossword clue
seems elusive at first. It’s a classic example of how constructors lead you down a very specific linguistic path. Take a moment, think of alternatives to “swear off,” and then mentally (or physically!) append “of” to them. Does the resulting phrase make sense? Does it perfectly capture the essence of abstaining from something? With a little persistence and careful consideration of common English idioms, you’ll find that elusive word or phrase that completes this challenging yet satisfying
crossword clue
. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
REPENT ….
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1115-25 NY Times Crossword 15 Nov 25, Saturday