What Might Be Smelt? Navigating the Nose-Pleasing (or Not!) Crossword Clue
There’s a unique thrill that comes with encountering a crossword clue that immediately engages the senses. It’s not just about words and logic; suddenly, you’re enveloped in a tangible experience, right there in your living room or on your morning commute. Today, we’re diving into one such evocative challenge:
“What might be smelt?“
This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in simplicity, yet it opens a Pandora’s box of possibilities for anyone tackling their daily crossword. It’s the kind of phrase that makes you pause, sniff the air (perhaps unconsciously!), and let your mind wander through a vast olfactory landscape. For seasoned crossword solvers and newcomers alike, a clue like this isn’t just a hurdle; it’s an invitation to explore the delightful nuances of language and perception.
When faced with “What might be smelt?“, the initial thoughts can be overwhelming. Is the puzzle setter looking for something pleasant? Something distinctly unpleasant? Or perhaps something more neutral, a general category rather than a specific item? This is where the beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue truly shines. It forces us to consider the breadth of human experience, from the everyday to the extraordinary. We think of the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread, the pungent scent of aged cheese, the crisp smell of autumn leaves, or the unmistakable whiff of rain on hot pavement. Each memory brings with it a cascade of potential answers, and narrowing them down is part of the fun.
The genius of this specific crossword clue lies in its directness. “Smelt” immediately directs our attention to the act of perceiving an odor. But what kind of odor? And more importantly, what
causes
that odor? This distinction is critical in crossword puzzle solving. Are we looking for the abstract concept of a smell, or the concrete source from which it emanates? It’s a subtle but significant difference that can steer your solving process in entirely different directions.
A great approach to this type of challenging crossword clue involves categorization. Start by mentally listing things that have a distinct smell. Think about:
Natural elements:
flowers, earth, wood, sea.
Food items:
spices, coffee, garlic, chocolate.
Chemicals/artificial scents:
perfumes, cleaning products, petrol.
Abstract or metaphorical smells:
the “smell of victory” or the “smell of trouble” (though the latter might be too abstract for a typical crossword answer).
The context of the rest of your crossword puzzle also plays a crucial role. Have you already solved surrounding clues that hint at a particular theme? Is the puzzle generally leaning towards nature, domestic items, or perhaps a more abstract vocabulary? The intersecting letters from other solved crossword clues are your best friends here, providing the vital anchors needed to pinpoint the exact word the setter has in mind. Without those, a clue like “What might be smelt?” could have dozens of plausible answers, making it a true test of lateral thinking.
Ultimately, this crossword clue serves as a fantastic reminder of how engaging crossword puzzles can be. They push us beyond rote memorization, encouraging us to think creatively, broadly, and sometimes, even sensually. The “aha!” moment, when the correct answer for “What might be smelt?” finally clicks into place, is incredibly satisfying. It’s a testament to the power of a good crossword clue to stimulate the mind and bring a little bit of sensory delight to our puzzle-solving journey. Keep sniffing out those answers, fellow solvers!
Available Answers:
ROE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1011-25 NY Times Crossword 11 Oct 25, Saturday