There are certain crossword clues that, at first glance, seem utterly baffling, only to reveal themselves as strokes of pure genius once you finally crack them. These are the rewarding moments we puzzle enthusiasts live for, aren’t they? Today, we’re diving into just such a perplexing and delightful crossword clue: ‘Worker with lots to attend to?‘
This particular crossword clue is a masterful example of a constructor using everyday language to create a truly challenging word puzzle. The brilliance lies in its multi-layered interpretation. When you first encounter a crossword clue like this, your mind might immediately jump to the literal. A worker who has a great many tasks, perhaps a busy project manager, a harried event planner, or even a diligent gardener tending to numerous flowerbeds. And indeed, ‘attend to’ can certainly mean to deal with, to take care of, or to be present for many responsibilities.
But as seasoned solvers of a tricky crossword clue know, constructors love to play with words, to twist meanings, and to lead us down delightful garden paths of misdirection. The word ‘lots’ itself is a prime candidate for such wordplay. Think about its other common definitions. Is it referring to ‘lots’ in the sense of parcels of land? Or perhaps ‘lots’ as in items up for auction? This is where the true detective work begins in solving a complex crossword clue.
Consider the implications if ‘lots’ refers to plots of land. What kind of worker would be consistently engaged with multiple parcels? A real estate agent? A surveyor? A landscape architect? Each of these professions involves ‘attending to’ land in various capacities. The beauty of this kind of crossword clue is how it forces you to mentally cycle through definitions, pairing them with the ‘worker’ aspect to see what clicks. It’s not just about knowing words; it’s about understanding the cleverness behind the construction of the crossword clue itself.
Then there’s the verb ‘attend to.’ While we often use it to mean ‘deal with,’ it also carries the connotation of being present at something. A worker who is present at numerous ‘lots.’ This shifts the context entirely. Are we talking about someone who observes? Someone who participates? The subtle nuances of verbs and nouns are often the keys to unlocking a particularly stubborn crossword clue. The precision required to select the right meaning, the one the constructor intended, is what separates the casual solver from the true aficionado.
Solving this crossword clue isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the linguistic agility and wit that goes into crafting such a gem. It’s a reminder that even the simplest words can hide layers of meaning, waiting to be unearthed by a keen mind. So, the next time you’re faced with a seemingly impenetrable crossword clue like ‘Worker with lots to attend to?‘, remember to unpack every word, explore every possible interpretation, and enjoy the journey of discovery. The satisfaction of connecting those final dots is truly unparalleled.
Available Answers:
VALET.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Wednesday’s Daily By Daniel Hrynick / Ed. Patti Varol