Every seasoned crossword solver knows that feeling: you’re cruising through the grid, filling in answers with satisfying speed, when suddenly, you hit a wall. A simple-looking phrase, unassuming in its brevity, stops you dead in your tracks, forcing a deep dive into the labyrinthine logic of the puzzle setter. Today, we’re tackling one such deceptively simple yet profoundly complex little gem that might appear in your next puzzle: the crossword clue “Turns red, say.”
At first glance, this crossword clue might seem straightforward. What
turns red
? The possibilities flood the mind, a veritable crimson tide of potential answers. But as with all the best crossword clues, the genius lies in its ambiguity, the subtle hints, and the numerous paths it could lead us down before we arrive at that elusive, perfect fit. It’s a masterclass in misdirection, designed to make you ponder every shade of scarlet, ruby, and vermillion.
Our immediate thoughts might drift to the purely literal. What
physically
turns red? An apple as it ripens, perhaps? A sunset painting the sky in fiery hues? Or a face flushing with embarrassment or anger? The beauty of the word “say” in a crossword clue is its function as an indicator of an example. It’s not asking for
the
only thing that turns red, but
an
instance of it. This opens up a vast dictionary of nouns, verbs, and even adjectives that could potentially be the key to unlocking this particular crossword puzzle conundrum. Are we looking for something that changes color, like a chameleon or a leaf in autumn (though it’s specifically “red”)? Or a chemical reaction? The simple act of
blushing
comes to mind, a classic human response, making it a tricky daily crossword challenge.
But crosswords rarely stick to the purely literal. The setter’s art often involves a journey into the figurative, the idiomatic. What about “seeing red,” an expression of intense anger? Or the “red carpet” treatment, signifying importance? While these don’t
turn
red in the same way, the concept of “redness” is central. Could the crossword clue be pointing to a more abstract idea, where something
becomes
red in a metaphorical sense? Consider the “red tape” of bureaucracy – something that
becomes
a hindrance or a sign of officialdom. The crossword clue “Turns red, say” could be a delightful play on words, urging us to look beyond the obvious. This is where the true challenge of a tough crossword clue lies.
One of the crucial elements when dissecting any challenging crossword clue is the part of speech implied. “Turns red” sounds like a verb phrase, suggesting our answer might be a verb in the third person singular, present tense. However, “say” often hints at a noun that
can
perform that action, or something
described
by that action. For instance, if the answer was “TOMATO,” the clue might be “Turns red, as a fruit.” But “Turns red, say” could also be pointing to the
process
itself, or a characteristic. It’s vital to keep an open mind to all grammatical possibilities when solving crosswords. Is it an adjective describing something that has turned red, or a noun that
does
turn red? The very flexibility of language is what makes these types of crossword clues so endlessly fascinating and, at times, incredibly frustrating.
Good crossword clues are designed to mislead. Perhaps “turns” itself is the operative word, and “red” is just a distraction. Or vice versa. Maybe we need to think about homophones or words that sound similar but have different meanings. Could “red” be a name, a place, or even a brand? The “say” is often the key to unlocking these broader interpretations. It acts as a gentle nudge, a suggestion that the answer is an
example
of something that fits the description, rather than the singular, definitive answer. This broadens the field considerably, requiring us to think laterally and consider every angle a clever crossword puzzle setter might employ. Each time you encounter a seemingly simple crossword clue like this, remember the layers of meaning that could be hidden beneath its surface.
Ultimately, cracking a crossword clue like “Turns red, say” involves a blend of intuition, a broad vocabulary, and a keen eye for the subtle signals hidden within the wording. It’s about letting your mind wander through all the potential interpretations, narrowing down the field based on letter counts (when you have them from intersecting words), and finally, experiencing that wonderful “aha!” moment when the right word slots perfectly into place. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of crossword puzzles and the mental gymnastics they demand. So, what’s your best guess for this tricky little number? Keep those minds turning, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
DYES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1008-25 NY Times Crossword 8 Oct 25, Wednesday