Stumped by “The garlic could make you drowsy (9)“? Let’s Crack This Crossword Clue!
Ah, the crossword puzzle – a delightful mental workout, a source of both satisfaction and frustration. Today’s focus is on a particularly intriguing clue: “The garlic could make you drowsy (9)“. Nine letters, a culinary herb, and a sleepy effect… this one has us pondering the possibilities!
This clue relies on a clever bit of wordplay. We need to think beyond the literal properties of garlic. While garlic might
cause
drowsiness in some individuals due to its chemical components, the clue points toward a word related to sleepiness that can also be linked to garlic, perhaps through a subtle connection or a shared characteristic.
Let’s break down the components to develop our strategy. The number of letters, nine, gives us a significant constraint. We need a nine-letter word that satisfies both the “garlic” and “drowsy” aspects of the clue. Consider synonyms and related words for both terms. What are other words for drowsiness? What about less obvious connections to garlic? Is there a specific characteristic of garlic that could metaphorically relate to sleepiness?
Think laterally! Crossword clues often require a shift in perspective. We’re not necessarily looking for a direct, literal connection between garlic and drowsiness. The clue utilizes a subtle link, perhaps a shared characteristic, a sound alike, or even a clever wordplay that involves a hidden word.
Look at the surrounding words in your crossword grid. Often, the intersecting letters provide crucial hints. Can the letters you already have help narrow down the possibilities? Think about the possible letter combinations and their potential placements within the nine-letter word.
If you’re still stuck, consider the following:
Word association:
Brainstorm words associated with both garlic and drowsiness. This might open up new avenues of thought.
Anagrams:
Could the letters of a related word be rearranged to form the solution?
Parts of speech:
Is the clue implying a noun, verb, or adjective? Knowing the required part of speech will help in selecting from your list of potential words.
Online resources:
If you’re truly baffled, a crossword solver or dictionary might offer helpful clues, but try to solve as much as possible on your own first to fully enjoy the challenge!
Remember, the key to solving cryptic crosswords is patience and lateral thinking. Don’t be discouraged if the answer doesn’t come immediately. With a bit of creative problem-solving, you’ll crack this clue! Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
LETHARGIC.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 8 December 2024