They Can Be Boosted or Bruised: Diving Deep into This Tricky Crossword Clue
Navigating the world of crossword puzzles means embracing ambiguity, celebrating clever wordplay, and sometimes, staring blankly at a clue for an embarrassingly long time. This week, I encountered a particularly intriguing specimen: “They can be boosted or bruised.”
At first glance, the clue seems deceptively simple. “Boosted” and “bruised” are straightforward words with easily understood connotations. “Boosted” suggests an increase, an improvement, or an elevation in something. Think of boosting your confidence, boosting your sales, or boosting a signal. On the other hand, “bruised” evokes images of pain, damage, and vulnerability. A bruised ego, a bruised apple, a physically bruised limb – the possibilities seem endless.
The challenge, of course, lies in finding the connection between these seemingly disparate states and identifying what exactly can experience both the positive effect of being boosted and the negative impact of being bruised. The “they” in the clue further complicates matters. Are we looking for a singular noun, or a plural one? A concrete object, or an abstract concept? The grammatical possibilities are numerous, forcing us to consider a wide range of potential answers.
One approach to cracking this clue is to consider the context in which the crossword puzzle appears. What is the overall theme or subject matter of the puzzle? Are there any other clues that seem related or thematically linked? Sometimes, the surrounding clues can provide valuable hints or narrow down the possibilities. For example, if other clues in the puzzle are related to finance or economics, the answer to this clue might also be related to those fields. Similarly, if the puzzle has a sporting theme, the answer might be found within the realm of athletics or competition.
Another useful tactic is to brainstorm a list of things that can be both boosted and bruised, regardless of how obvious or obscure they may seem at first. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider metaphorical or figurative interpretations of the words “boosted” and “bruised.” Could the answer be related to emotions, reputations, or even abstract concepts like morale or public opinion? The more ideas you generate, the greater your chances of stumbling upon the correct answer.
Word length, of course, is a crucial factor to consider. The number of spaces allotted in the crossword grid provides a concrete constraint that can significantly narrow down the possibilities. Knowing the length of the answer allows you to eliminate any words that don’t fit and focus your attention on those that do.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a fresh perspective. Sometimes, the best way to solve a challenging crossword clue is to step away from it for a while and return with a clear mind. A break can allow you to approach the clue from a different angle and see connections that you may have previously missed. Talking the clue through with someone else can also be helpful, as they may offer insights or ideas that you hadn’t considered.
This particular clue, “They can be boosted or bruised,” requires careful consideration of both the literal and figurative meanings of the words involved. It’s a reminder that the beauty of crossword puzzles lies not only in the satisfaction of finding the correct answer, but also in the mental exercise and creative thinking required to get there. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
EGOS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0729-25 NY Times Crossword 29 Jul 25, Tuesday