Stumped by “What’s the ___?” (“They seem identical”)? Let’s Crack This Crossword Clue!
Ah, the dreaded cryptic crossword clue. Sometimes they’re straightforward, a gentle nudge towards the answer. Other times… well, other times they feel like deciphering hieroglyphs after a three-day bender. Today’s challenge falls squarely into the latter category. We’re tackling the cryptic clue: “What’s the ___?” (“They seem identical”).
This clue is a clever little beast, playing on our perception of similarity and difference. The phrase “They seem identical” hints at a concept of near-perfect replication or indistinguishability. But what exactly are “they”? That’s the key to unlocking this puzzle. The clue is cleverly leading us away from a purely literal interpretation. We’re not looking for a simple adjective describing identical objects. The “What’s the…?” construction adds another layer of complexity. It suggests we’re searching for a word that answers a question of identification or distinction.
Let’s break it down:
The structure:
The clue uses a parenthetical phrase (“They seem identical”) to provide a definition or explanation of the answer. This is a common technique in cryptic crosswords. The parenthetical acts as a cryptic definition. It describes the
concept
of the answer rather than the word itself.
The wordplay:
There’s likely no direct wordplay within the clue itself, meaning we shouldn’t be looking for anagrams or hidden words. The clue relies entirely on the understanding of the phrase “They seem identical.” This points to a concept of subtle, almost imperceptible, differences. Consider the context of the crossword – what kind of word fits into the available spaces? Is it a noun, verb, or adjective? What’s the surrounding word theme?
Thinking outside the box:
Cryptic crosswords often demand creative thinking. The obvious answer might be wrong. Don’t be afraid to explore unusual possibilities. Consider synonyms, related concepts, and even completely different angles. Sometimes the most surprising answer is the correct one.
This clue tests not just your vocabulary but your ability to decipher the cryptic language of the crossword puzzle. Let’s see what you can come up with. Use the comments section below to share your thoughts, suggestions, and most importantly – your solution! Happy puzzling! Remember to use relevant keywords such as “crossword clue”, “cryptic crossword”, “crossword puzzle”, “crossword solver”, “crossword help”, “crossword answers”, and similar terms to make this post easy to find by fellow crossword enthusiasts.
Available Answers:
DIF.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Daily Celebrity Crossword – 1/4/25 Smartypants Saturday