Ah, the daily grid. It pulls us in, promising a delightful cerebral workout, and more often than not, it delivers. But then there are
those
specific crossword clues – the ones that stop you dead in your tracks, make you tilt your head, and audibly mutter to yourself. Today, we’re diving into one such gem that’s a masterclass in elegant misdirection: “Take second, say.”
This particular crossword clue is a shining example of a long-standing tradition in the world of puzzles: the homophone. For seasoned solvers, the little tag “say,” “we hear,” “audibly,” or “reportedly” immediately signals a phonetic twist. It’s a verbal wink from the constructor, inviting us to listen closely, not just read. The surface reading of “Take second” seems straightforward enough. It conjures images of perhaps taking a second helping of pie, or a second turn in a game. But the crucial “say” tells us that the answer isn’t about the literal meaning of “take second,” but rather about something that
sounds like
it. This is where the magic, and sometimes the frustration, of a brilliant crossword clue truly begins.
Deciphering a homophone crossword clue requires a unique kind of mental flexibility. Our brains are hardwired for direct interpretation, for matching words to their meanings. But here, we’re asked to temporarily detach a phrase from its conventional sense and instead, treat it as pure sound. “Take second” needs to be vocalized, repeated, perhaps even exaggerated, to coax out its auditory doppelgänger. It’s a game of ear-to-mind, a puzzle of phonetics rather than semantics. And what a rewarding game it is when the light bulb finally flashes!
Many a fantastic crossword clue relies on this clever device. Think of clues that play on “sail” sounding like “sale,” or “knight” sounding like “night,” or “read” sounding like “red.” Each one asks us to momentarily discard the visual representation of words and instead, tune into their acoustic properties. “Take second, say” fits perfectly into this esteemed category, showcasing how everyday language can be twisted and turned into a delightful mental challenge. It’s not just about knowing vocabulary; it’s about appreciating the nuances of spoken English. This type of crossword clue celebrates the sheer fun of linguistic play.
The beauty of a well-crafted homophone crossword clue like this lies in its ability to be simultaneously obscure and obvious. Once you’ve cracked it, the answer seems undeniably correct, even inevitable. You wonder how you could have missed it for so long! That moment of realization, when the sounds align and the meaning clicks into place, is one of the most satisfying experiences a crossword solver can have. It’s a testament to the constructor’s ingenuity and a reward for your own persistence. This specific crossword clue, “Take second, say,” is a classic for a reason – it exemplifies this elegant blend of simplicity and profound cleverness. It reminds us that sometimes, to find the right answer, all we need to do is listen. And isn’t that a wonderful lesson, both in crosswords and in life?
Available Answers:
STEAL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Saturday’s Daily By Rebecca Goldstein & Rafael Musa / Ed. Patti Varol