There are some
crossword clue
gems that stick with you, long after the puzzle has been completed. They’re the ones that initially seem impenetrable, perhaps even unfair, only to reveal themselves with a satisfying click of recognition. They tease, they mislead, and they ultimately enlighten. Today, we’re diving into one such
crossword clue
that has likely caused more than a few head-scratches and frustrated sighs: “Unwanted ones may linger.”
At first glance, this
crossword clue
presents a fairly straightforward scenario. We all know things, and indeed people, that we wish would simply disappear but stubbornly remain. This common human experience is fertile ground for a setter to plant a seed of misdirection. What kind of “unwanted ones” are we talking about? Pests? Old habits? Bad memories? The breadth of possibility is precisely what makes a
crossword clue
like this so devilishly clever. The words themselves, “unwanted,” “ones,” and “linger,” are everyday vocabulary, yet their combination in this context takes on a specific, puzzle-centric weight.
The art of the
crossword clue
often lies in its ability to exploit the multiple meanings of words, or to present a literal interpretation that points to a figurative answer, or vice-versa. Is “ones” a noun here, referring to distinct entities? Or is it part of a phrase? Does “linger” suggest a physical presence, or something more abstract, like a feeling or a thought? The best
crossword clue
challenges us to peel back these layers of meaning, considering every possible angle.
When faced with a
crossword clue
that seems to have a thousand potential answers, the seasoned solver learns to step back and consider the setter’s mindset. What kind of wordplay is typically employed in this puzzle? Is it a cryptic
crossword clue
, hinting at anagrams, reversals, or homophones? Or is it a more standard, definitional
crossword clue
, where the misdirection comes from a less common synonym or a clever rephrasing? The specific grid it sits within can also offer vital hints – the length of the answer, intersecting letters from other solved clues, and even the theme of the puzzle itself (if there is one) can all nudge you towards the elusive solution.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in ambiguity. It draws on a universal concept but funnels it into a very specific, and perhaps surprisingly common, answer that you might not immediately consider. The difficulty isn’t in knowing the individual words, but in bridging the gap between their everyday meaning and the precise, often technical or idiomatic, term the setter is aiming for. It demands a shift in perspective, a moment where the brain has to unlearn its immediate assumptions and open itself to a less obvious interpretation.
Cracking a
crossword clue
like “Unwanted ones may linger” isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the ingenuity behind its construction. It’s the “aha!” moment when the cloud of confusion dissipates, and the simple elegance of the solution becomes clear. It’s a testament to the power of language, and how a few well-chosen words can create such a compelling, and sometimes frustrating, intellectual puzzle. Every
crossword clue
has a story, and this one certainly prompts a good think.
Available Answers:
ODORS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0627-25 NY Times Crossword 27 Jun 25, Friday