Cracking Codes: A Deep Dive into Today’s Tricky Crossword Clue
Welcome back, fellow cruciverbalists! Today’s puzzle presented a particularly interesting challenge, and I wanted to dedicate a little extra attention to one clue that had quite a few people scratching their heads: “Use TurboTax, say“.
This innocuous-looking phrase is a prime example of how crossword compilers leverage wordplay and common knowledge to create deceptive, yet ultimately satisfying, clues. It highlights the fascinating interplay between language, culture, and problem-solving that makes crossword puzzles so addictive.
Let’s break down what makes this clue tick. The first part, “Use TurboTax,” instantly points us towards the realm of personal finance and specifically, tax preparation. TurboTax is a widely recognized brand, synonymous with filing your taxes online. However, the key word here is “say.”
The presence of “say” dramatically shifts the nature of the clue. It signals that we’re not looking for a straightforward synonym for using TurboTax. Instead, we’re dealing with an example, an illustration, or a type of action that TurboTax facilitates. “Say” hints at a broader category or a conceptual relationship.
Think about what TurboTax
does
for you. It’s more than just software; it’s a tool that helps you accomplish a specific financial task. It helps you navigate complex tax laws and regulations. It helps you organize your financial information. And ultimately, it helps you… well, that’s what we’re trying to figure out!
This type of clue, where a brand name serves as an example, is a common technique in crossword construction. It allows constructors to draw upon a wide range of contemporary references, making the puzzles feel fresh and relevant. The challenge for the solver is to look beyond the surface meaning of the brand and identify the underlying action or concept it represents.
Another important aspect of this clue is its brevity. At only four words, it lacks explicit context, forcing us to rely on our general knowledge and intuition. This ambiguity is often what makes crossword clues so difficult, yet so rewarding to solve. It’s like a mini-enigma wrapped inside a larger puzzle.
Consider the possible angles. Are we thinking about the act of
doing
something? Are we thinking about a
feeling
you might have after using the software? Are we thinking about the
result
of using the software? All of these are valid avenues of exploration.
When tackling clues like this, it’s often helpful to look at the surrounding answers and their corresponding letters. These intersecting letters can provide crucial hints and narrow down the possibilities. For example, if the answer to this clue is a five-letter word and the second letter is “A,” we can start brainstorming five-letter words with “A” as the second letter that relate to tax preparation.
Remember, crossword solving is a process of elimination and deduction. Keep an open mind, explore different possibilities, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The satisfaction of cracking a particularly challenging clue is one of the great joys of this hobby. Good luck, and happy puzzling! Let me know in the comments if you figured this one out!
Available Answers:
EFILE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Kelly Richardson / Ed. Patti Varol