“This clue is the first of them.” What an opening statement for a crossword puzzle! It’s not just a set of words designed to point to a specific answer; it’s a declaration. It immediately sets a tone, inviting solvers into a deeper layer of engagement than many standard crossword clues. From the very first glance, it promises something more than a straightforward definition or a clever pun.
When a daily crossword begins with such a pronouncement, it signals that the puzzle itself might be part of the solution. It challenges the traditional boundary between the puzzle and the solver, making the act of solving an integral part of understanding the clue. This isn’t just
a
crossword clue; it’s
the
crossword clue that kicks off a particular journey. It suggests a journey of discovery, where the subsequent clues or the overall grid might reveal more about this initial statement.
Any seasoned solver knows that certain crossword clues stand out. This one immediately earns its place among the memorable, the intriguing, and often, the most rewarding. It transforms a typical solving session into an investigation. How does this particular crossword clue relate to the rest of the puzzle? Is it a key to a meta-puzzle? Does it refer to its own position within the grid, or to a series of elements that will appear throughout? These are the questions that bubble up, distinguishing this type of challenge from a more conventional cryptic crossword clue or a straightforward synonym.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword puzzle often lies in its ability to surprise and delight. A clue like “This clue is the first of them” achieves this from the outset. It creates an expectation of interconnectedness. It hints that the answer isn’t just a word, but perhaps an idea, a sequence, or a mechanism that underpins the entire solving experience. It’s a subtle nod from the constructor, inviting us to look beyond the individual squares and to see the puzzle as a cohesive, living entity.
Such a distinctive crossword clue often introduces a theme that runs through the entire grid. It might be a literal theme, where elements appear sequentially, or a conceptual one, where the
idea
of being “first” or part of a “series” is explored through various answers. Understanding this primary crossword clue often unlocks a greater appreciation for the constructor’s artistry. It’s a testament to how complex and creative a simple grid of words can become. When you encounter a crossword clue that directly references itself or its position, you know you’re in for a treat – a puzzle that plays with its own form.
This particular type of crossword clue demands a different kind of thinking. It’s not about recalling an obscure definition or unraveling a complex anagram. It’s about pattern recognition, deductive reasoning, and sometimes, a healthy dose of intuition about the puzzle’s underlying structure. It asks you to consider the puzzle as a whole, not just as isolated challenges. This makes for a deeply satisfying daily crossword experience, where the “aha!” moment is not just about a single word, but about comprehending the grand design.
Encountering “This clue is the first of them” means you’re not just solving a crossword; you’re deciphering a statement. It’s an invitation to explore the puzzle’s very DNA, to understand the constructor’s intent beyond the surface level. It promises a journey where the conclusion brings not just the satisfaction of completion, but the revelation of a hidden layer. This kind of challenging crossword clue elevates the entire experience, making it a truly engaging intellectual exercise. It underscores why the crossword puzzle remains a beloved daily ritual for so many.
Available Answers:
DOWNS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Open-Minded By Robbie Cottom