“That” and “That” – A Classic Crossword Conundrum
Ah, the crossword clue. A seemingly simple phrase, yet capable of unlocking the most intricate and challenging puzzles. Today, we delve into a particularly common, yet often perplexing, entry: “What might come between ‘that’ and ‘that’?”
This clue, while seemingly straightforward, often throws solvers for a loop. It’s a classic example of a clue relying on wordplay and a bit of lateral thinking. The answer is a single word, but it requires us to step outside the literal meaning of “that” and embrace the possibilities inherent in the clue’s structure.
So, how do we tackle this tricky clue?
Firstly, we need to understand the essence of the clue. It’s not about a literal gap between two “that”s. Rather, it’s a metaphorical space, a space that can be filled by a concept, a word, or an idea that connects the two “that”s in a meaningful way.
The “that”s in the clue could be referring to any number of things:
Objects:
“That book” and “that chair”
Events:
“That party” and “that movie”
Concepts:
“That feeling” and “that thought”
People:
“That person” and “that friend”
The possibilities are endless, and the key is to identify the unifying thread that connects the two “that”s. This thread will be the answer to the clue.
Here’s where a little brainstorming comes in handy. Think of the ways you might bridge a gap between two things. What words, concepts, or ideas might fit between “that” and “that”? Consider:
Prepositions:
“Between,” “above,” “below”
Conjunctions:
“and,” “but,” “or”
Adverbs:
“too,” “also,” “then”
Phrases:
“as well as,” “in addition to,” “for example”
The answer might be a word with a specific meaning or it might be a more general term that connects the two “that”s in a broader sense.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore unusual connections. Remember, the clue is designed to be tricky, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the answer immediately.
With a little bit of effort and a touch of lateral thinking, you’ll be well on your way to solving this classic crossword conundrum!
Available Answers:
… WAS ….
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 21 Jun 24, Friday