Try hard

“Try hard” – A Crossword Clue That’s Got Us Thinking

“Try hard” is a crossword clue that’s been stumping solvers for years. It’s one of those clues that seems deceptively simple, but it can actually be quite tricky to crack.

We’ve all been there – staring at a blank grid, the definition staring back at us with a mischievous twinkle in its eye. You know it’s a common phrase, something we use daily, but translating it into a crossword answer feels like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

So, what exactly does “try hard” mean in the context of a crossword clue? Is it a noun, a verb, an adjective? What kind of word are we looking for? Let’s break down the clue and see if we can unravel its secrets.

The Literal Meaning

The most straightforward interpretation of “try hard” is, of course, to make a great effort. It implies putting in extra work, pushing yourself beyond your limits.

This leads us to a potential answer:

STRIVE

. It’s a perfect fit for the literal meaning of “try hard”, signifying strenuous effort.

But are there other possibilities?

The Figurative Meaning

Crossword clues often play with words, using double meanings and wordplay to create more challenging solutions. “Try hard” could be a veiled reference to something that’s

artificial

,

forced

, or even

pretentious

.

Perhaps the answer is

EFFORT

, hinting at something overly deliberate or contrived. Or maybe we’re looking for something like

FUSSY

, indicating a focus on superficial details that comes across as overly manufactured.

Looking for Clues within Clues

The surrounding clues in the crossword puzzle can be crucial to figuring out the answer. Are there any other clues related to effort, performance, or even the arts?

Pay attention to the word length, too. “Try hard” suggests a word that could be fairly short or quite lengthy, so keep your eyes open for both possibilities.

Don’t Give Up!

Even if you’re stumped, don’t despair! The joy of crossword puzzles lies in the challenge. Take your time, consider all the potential meanings of “try hard”, and see if any creative answers come to mind. You might be surprised by what you discover!

Happy solving!

Available Answers:

STRIVE.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 8 Aug 24, Thursday