The thrill of encountering a truly brilliant thematic crossword clue is unmatched. It’s the kind of moment that elevates a daily crossword puzzle from a simple vocabulary test to a genuine intellectual challenge, weaving together pop culture, common knowledge, and the intricate architecture of the grid. Today’s featured clue, “‘Three Blind Mice’ line, or what can be said of 20-, 29-, and 46-Across,” is a prime example of such clever construction.
Immediately, the classic nursery rhyme springs to mind. Everyone knows “Three Blind Mice,” a simple, repetitive tune that has been sung to generations of children. Its imagery is vivid and unforgettable, conjuring up the famous rodent trio and their rather unfortunate predicament. But how does a beloved children’s ditty connect to specific entries within a crossword puzzle? That’s the beautiful enigma a good crossword solver loves to unravel.
When a crossword clue points to other across entries – 20-, 29-, and 46-Across in this instance – it’s a clear signal that a deeper theme is at play. These aren’t just random words; they share a profound, unifying characteristic directly linked to the lead clue. The question, “what can be said of” these entries, is crucial. It’s asking for a shared quality, a descriptor that applies equally to all three, and which is also inherently tied to the “Three Blind Mice” narrative.
For any seasoned crossword solver, this type of thematic clue is a call to action. You don’t just look for definitions; you start thinking about concepts, associations, and the underlying thread that binds disparate elements. What defines those particular mice in the rhyme? What is their most notable condition? And how could that condition, or a linguistic echo of it, apply to three distinct words or phrases within the crossword grid?
The art of solving a crossword like this lies in patience and pattern recognition. You might solve a few letters of 20-Across, then move to 29-Across, and perhaps glimpse part of 46-Across. As the letters fill in, the commonality starts to emerge, often with a delightful “aha!” moment. This isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about understanding the constructor’s playful mind, appreciating the elegance with which they’ve masked a simple truth behind layers of misdirection and cleverness.
This specific crossword clue challenges you to think beyond the literal. It’s not asking for the next line of the rhyme, but rather for a characteristic, a state of being, that is synonymous with the mice mentioned. Applying this characteristic to the three other entries is the key to unlocking the puzzle’s central theme. It’s a rewarding experience for anyone who enjoys a challenging crossword clue.
So, as you tackle this particular puzzle, keep that iconic children’s rhyme at the forefront of your mind. Consider what makes those three mice so memorable. Then, look to 20-, 29-, and 46-Across. When you find that common thread, that shared descriptor that perfectly aligns with the famous trio’s predicament, you’ll have cracked not just a single crossword clue, but the very heart of the puzzle’s design. It’s an insight that makes the daily crossword truly special. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
SEEHOWTHEYRUN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Jeff Stillman / Ed. Patti Varol