Every seasoned crossword solver knows that feeling. You’re breezing through the daily grid, a satisfying rhythm of pen hitting paper, when suddenly—BAM!—you hit a wall. It’s not just a tricky definition; it’s a whole universe of wordplay, a multi-layered linguistic puzzle designed to make you pause, ponder, and perhaps even pull out a few strands of hair. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one such brilliantly crafted crossword clue that had many of us scratching our heads: “With 61-Down and 78-Across, “Food at this restaurant stinks, but the duck seems fine”?“
This isn’t your average straightforward definition, is it? The “With 61-Down and 78-Across” preface immediately signals a deeper game at play within the larger crossword puzzle. It’s a classic constructor’s maneuver, requiring you to solve two separate, perhaps simpler, crossword clues first, then ingeniously combine their solutions to unlock the true meaning of this master clue. It adds a delicious layer of complexity, turning what might seem like a single obstacle into a multi-stage quest for linguistic truth, elevating the entire experience of solving crosswords beyond simple vocabulary.
But even with those ancillary answers in hand, the phrase itself – “Food at this restaurant stinks, but the duck seems fine” – is a masterpiece of misdirection and clever wit. What exactly is going on here? Is it a literal review of a subpar eatery with an unexpectedly good waterfowl dish? Or, as is often the case with the most satisfying and challenging crossword clues, is there a glorious pun, an idiom, or a common phrase lurking just beneath the surface, waiting for that ‘aha!’ moment of recognition that only the best crossword clues can deliver?
What makes this particular crossword clue so exceptional isn’t just its multi-part structure, but the sheer brilliance of the wordplay embedded within the main phrase. “Food at this restaurant stinks, but the duck seems fine.” It’s a seemingly simple sentence, yet packed with misdirection and layered meanings. That innocent little word, “duck,” stands at the heart of the puzzle, a masterclass in how constructors can take a common noun or verb and twist its implications to guide – or delightfully mislead – the solver towards the correct solution. It’s a prime example of the kind of genius that elevates a good daily crossword into an unforgettable mental workout and a truly tricky crossword puzzle.
The beauty of such a well-constructed crossword clue lies in its ability to simultaneously frustrate and delight. You know there’s a solution; you can almost feel it humming just out of reach. Your brain races through possibilities, discarding literal interpretations and delving into the rich tapestry of English idiom and phonetic trickery. This particular challenge is a prime example of why we keep coming back to the daily crossword. It’s not just about filling squares; it’s about unraveling linguistic mysteries, appreciating the cleverness of the constructor, and ultimately, feeling that triumphant surge of satisfaction when the pieces finally click into place. It’s a testament to the power of a truly engaging crossword clue and the joy of solving a tricky crossword puzzle.
Available Answers:
FARE IS FOUL ….
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1116-25 NY Times Crossword 16 Nov 25, Sunday