Every seasoned solver knows that some crossword clues are designed to make you pause, scratch your head, and then marvel at their sheer brilliance. They’re the ones that transform a simple grid into a labyrinth of linguistic delights, rewarding patience and a keen eye for nuance. The recent puzzler presented us with a crossword clue that perfectly epitomizes this art form: “Tattle on … or an instruction for answering 22-Across.”
This isn’t just any ordinary crossword clue; it’s a prime example of the setter’s craft, a multi-faceted gem that demands more than a simple recall of synonyms. At first glance, it appears to be a straightforward definitional crossword clue. You might immediately think of a word meaning to ‘tattle on’ someone, and perhaps even jot down a potential answer in the margin. But then, the “or” arrives, a tiny conjunction carrying immense weight, transforming this seemingly simple crossword clue into a meta-puzzle, a directive embedded within the grid itself.
It suggests that beyond its primary function, this particular crossword clue serves as a hidden instruction, a breadcrumb leading you to a solution for another part of the puzzle – specifically, for 22-Across. This dual nature is what makes certain crossword clues so utterly captivating and, at times, maddeningly elusive. They’re not just asking for a word; they’re asking you to consider the puzzle as a whole, to see the connections between disparate elements. It’s a subtle nod from the constructor, a wink to the solver who understands that the boundaries of a single crossword clue can extend far beyond its immediate cell.
These kinds of ingenious crossword clues are what elevate a good puzzle to a great one. They reward careful observation, pattern recognition, and an understanding that not every crossword clue stands alone. The “or an instruction for answering X-Across” format is a classic technique, a masterclass in misdirection and eventual revelation. It’s the constructor’s way of saying, “There’s more to this than meets the eye; you might even need to solve
this
clue to fully understand
that
one.” This interconnectedness is a hallmark of truly sophisticated crossword clue design.
Unraveling such a complex crossword clue requires a shift in perspective. It’s no longer just about filling in a blank; it’s about connecting the dots across the entire grid, allowing information from one area to illuminate another. When you encounter a crossword clue like this, your initial instinct might be to focus solely on the first part, chasing the obvious definition. But the true mastery lies in recognizing the dual nature, the implicit command embedded within the phrasing that points to a grander scheme. It forces you to think beyond the immediate, to consider how one piece of the puzzle might unlock others.
For those who relish the intellectual challenge of a well-crafted crossword clue, these meta-references are the crème de la crème. They provide that uniquely satisfying burst of insight, the “aha!” moment when the pieces finally click into place. It’s a testament to the elegant architecture of the puzzle, a subtle hint that the constructor has built something truly special. This specific crossword clue, with its cunning twist, promises just such a revelation. It’s a reminder that every crossword clue, no matter how straightforward it appears, holds the potential for a deeper, more rewarding layer of discovery.
Available Answers:
RAT OUT (or RA to UT).
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0619-25 NY Times Crossword 19 Jun 25, Thursday