Ever stare at a seemingly straightforward crossword clue, only to find your mind immediately swerving down a dozen wrong tracks? It’s a familiar experience for anyone who regularly tackles a daily crossword, and it’s precisely where the artistry of crossword construction truly shines. Today, we’re diving into one such deceptively simple, yet brilliantly crafted, crossword clue: “Train that makes lots of stops.”
At first glance, this crossword clue might seem to point directly to a literal locomotive. Your brain might conjure images of a slow-moving commuter train, perhaps a regional service meandering through quaint towns, pulling into station after station. Or maybe a freight train, halting intermittently to couple or uncouple cars. But seasoned solvers of crossword puzzles know better than to take a clue at face value, especially when the wording hints at something deeper. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in misdirection, leveraging the multiple meanings of its key terms to lead you astray before illuminating a wonderfully elegant solution.
The challenge begins with the word “train.” In the realm of crossword clues, “train” is a chameleon. Beyond the obvious railway vehicle, it can refer to a sequence of events (a “train of thought”), a long piece of fabric (a wedding dress’s “train”), or even the act of educating or conditioning someone or something. The savvy solver must consider all these possibilities when confronting such a multifaceted crossword clue. Which interpretation best fits the “lots of stops” component?
Then there’s “stops.” Again, the literal interpretation—physical halts at stations—is the most immediate. But what if “stops” isn’t about physical locations? Could it refer to interruptions, pauses, or even obstacles? What kind of “train” is inherently defined by its frequent pauses or breaks? This is where the lateral thinking crucial for solving crosswords comes into play. You have to step back from the most obvious scenario and explore the broader semantic landscape of both words.
A challenging crossword clue like “Train that makes lots of stops” is designed to make you think beyond the literal. It’s an exercise in wordplay, asking you to identify a phrase or concept where “train” and “stops” converge in an unexpected, yet perfectly logical, way. The brilliance of such a clue lies in its ability to evoke a specific image (the chugging locomotive) while secretly pointing to something entirely different, often something idiomatic or a common phrase.
For those who love to solve crossword clues, grappling with an entry like this is half the fun. It’s about the mental gymnastics, the exploration of synonyms and homonyms, and the eventual “aha!” moment when the cleverness of the constructor’s intent becomes clear. It hones your ability to spot nuances in language and to appreciate the artistry involved in crafting a truly satisfying crossword puzzle.
When approaching a tricky crossword clue like this in your daily puzzle, always ask yourself: What are the less common meanings of these words? Is there an idiom or a compound word that fits the description? How can “train” and “stops” combine in a way that isn’t about transportation? The answer often lies in finding the definition that makes the most sense metaphorically or figuratively, rather than literally. It’s a reminder that every word in a crossword clue is a potential hint, and every word also a potential red herring.
Unlocking the secret behind “Train that makes lots of stops” is incredibly satisfying, precisely because it forces you to abandon initial assumptions and delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the English language. It’s a prime example of why we keep coming back to crossword puzzles, eager to untangle their linguistic knots. So, as you ponder this intriguing crossword clue, think broadly, think playfully, and prepare for that wonderful moment of realization.
Available Answers:
LOCAL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Robert S. Gard / Ed. Patti Varol