There are some days when a crossword clue just lands with such delightful precision, it makes you pause, smile, and truly appreciate the artistry behind the puzzle. Today’s featured crossword clue, “Toy that’s more than tickled pink,” is an absolute masterclass in wordplay, offering a challenge that’s as charming as it is clever. For any aficionado of the daily crossword, this one stands out as a prime example of how language can be twisted and turned to create an eminently satisfying solve.
The brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in its multi-layered approach. Let’s unpack the first part: “tickled pink.” This wonderfully evocative idiom immediately brings to mind a feeling of immense pleasure, joy, or satisfaction. To be “tickled pink” means you’re incredibly pleased, delighted to the point of a blush. It’s a phrase we instinctively understand, conjuring images of pure, unadulterated happiness. When you encounter such a well-known expression in a crossword puzzle, your antennae immediately go up, signalling that there’s likely a figurative or literal twist waiting to be uncovered.
Now, for the crux of the crossword clue: “more than tickled pink.” This is where the magic truly happens, demanding that solvers think beyond the literal interpretation of the idiom. What could “more than tickled pink” possibly signify? Does it mean an even
greater
degree of pleasure? Or perhaps, and this is where the genius lies, a deeper, more intense shade of the color pink itself? The phrase invites us to consider both the emotional spectrum and the chromatic scale, a brilliant double entendre that elevates this clue far beyond the ordinary. It’s the kind of subtle hint that makes solving crosswords such a rewarding intellectual exercise.
Then we have the subject: “Toy.” This narrows our focus considerably. Toys are, by their very nature, designed to bring joy and, quite often, they come in a vibrant array of colours. Pink, in particular, has long been a prominent hue in the world of toys, associated with everything from classic playthings to modern collectibles. But not just
any
pink toy will do for this crossword clue. The answer needs to connect intrinsically with the “more than tickled pink” aspect, whether through its name, its iconic status, or its defining characteristic that perfectly encapsulates that heightened sense of pinkness or pleasure.
This isn’t merely a trick question; it’s a testament to the constructor’s ingenuity. It forces the crossword puzzle enthusiast to bridge the gap between an emotional state and a physical attribute, all within the context of a beloved plaything. The solution isn’t just a word; it’s the culmination of understanding an idiom, discerning its metaphorical extension, and then applying that understanding to a common object. It’s the kind of clever wordplay that makes you want to shout, “Aha!” when the penny finally drops.
When tackling such a formidable yet fun crossword clue, consider all the nuances. Think about toys that are renowned for their particular shade of pink. Think about those that evoke extreme delight. Consider how a name or a common descriptor of a toy could cleverly double as a more intense version of “tickled pink.” The best crossword clues are those that, once solved, seem incredibly obvious, leaving you wondering why it took you so long. This is precisely one of those. The satisfaction of figuring out such a carefully crafted piece of wordplay is, in itself, a feeling that’s more than tickled pink. Enjoy the journey of unlocking this brilliant crossword clue!
Available Answers:
ELMO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Gary Larson & Amy Ensz / Ed. Patti Varol