There are certain
crossword clue
entries that, at first glance, seem utterly transparent. You read them, nod, and think, “Yep, got this one.” Then you stare at the empty squares, and suddenly, that straightforward clue starts to ripple, becoming more complex, more nuanced than you ever imagined. It’s those moments, those delicious little puzzles within the larger puzzle, that make the daily grind of crosswords so utterly addictive.
Today, let’s dive into one such marvel: “Wields, as influence.”
On the surface, it’s a simple verb, tied to a very common noun. We all understand “wields,” and “influence” is part of our everyday vocabulary. But what happens when you combine them, especially in the precise, often idiosyncratic world of
crossword clues
? That’s where the magic, and sometimes the momentary frustration, begins.
Let’s unpack “wields” first. To wield something is not merely to hold it. It implies control, mastery, and active application. Think of wielding a sword – it requires skill, strength, and purpose. Or wielding a tool – you’re putting it to effective use to achieve a specific outcome. It’s about more than possession; it’s about deployment. This verb suggests an active, deliberate power in action.
Then consider “influence.” Unlike a sword or a tool, influence isn’t a tangible object you can grasp. It’s an abstract force, capable of shaping opinions, directing actions, or altering outcomes. It’s the subtle pressure, the guiding hand, the persuasive voice that nudges things in a certain direction. Influence can be quiet or overt, personal or societal, but its effectiveness lies in its ability to effect change without necessarily resorting to direct force.
Now, bring them together: “Wields, as influence.” The “as” here is crucial. It’s not “wields
a
sword
of
influence.” It’s suggesting that the very
act
of wielding
is
the manifestation of influence. What kind of action embodies the active, controlled application of an intangible force like influence? What single verb perfectly captures the essence of skillfully applying one’s power or persuasion to achieve a desired effect?
This isn’t just about having influence; it’s about
using
it. It’s about the active verb that describes someone making their influence felt. It speaks to the person who isn’t just passively influential but is actively putting that influence into play. It demands a word that conveys both agency and the specific manner in which an abstract concept is brought to bear.
When tackling this kind of
crossword clue
, my mind immediately goes through a mental Rolodex of verbs related to power, control, and action. Do you
apply
influence?
Exercise
it?
Employ
it? While some of these might fit semantically in other contexts, a great
crossword clue
like this one is looking for the most precise, idiomatic fit. The word it seeks often carries a specific gravitas or common usage that aligns perfectly with the idiom “wields influence.”
It’s about finding that one-word wonder that encapsulates the nuance of active, purposeful control over an abstract force. It’s about the satisfaction of knowing you’ve nailed the precise verb the setter had in mind. So, think about verbs that signify the active, deliberate use of an intangible power, that perfect fit for someone who truly masters the art of shaping the world around them through their presence and actions.
Available Answers:
EXERTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Wayne Bergman / Ed. Patti Varol