Dust Devils and Delvers: Wrestling with the Crossword
The crossword puzzle sits, a silent grid, daring you to break its code. Some days, the answers flow, an almost psychic connection to the constructor’s mind. Other days… well, other days you’re staring blankly at a single clue, feeling like you’ve never seen a word in your life. Today feels a little like that.
The clue in question: “Works the soil.”
Immediately, a certain agricultural imagery springs to mind. Visions of sun-drenched fields, calloused hands, and the rich scent of earth after a spring rain. But the crossword isn’t always that straightforward, is it? We can’t just slap down the first farming term that comes to mind. We need to consider the nuances, the potential for misdirection, and the subtle dance between definition and synonym.
Let’s consider the obvious angle first. “Works the soil” implies active engagement with the earth. A process that transforms it, prepares it, nurtures it. So, naturally, our brains jump to verbs synonymous with agriculture. Tending, cultivating, preparing the earth for planting. These are actions performed to grow crops, to sustain life, to reap a harvest. The clue suggests a physical exertion, a deliberate manipulation of the land to a specific end.
But the crossword, that sly devil, rarely serves up the obvious on a silver platter. We need to think metaphorically. What else “works” the soil? Think beyond the literal plow. Consider the forces of nature. Water, wind, even time itself, all play a role in reshaping the earth’s surface. They sculpt landscapes, erode mountains, and redistribute nutrients. While perhaps not the
intentional
act of working the soil, these processes certainly have a profound impact.
Then there’s the possibility of a more specialized meaning. Perhaps the clue refers to a specific type of tool or technique used in soil management. Think of the various implements used in agriculture throughout history. Each one, in its own way, contributes to “working the soil.” From simple hand tools to complex machinery, they all serve the same purpose: to manipulate the earth for human benefit.
We also need to consider the tense of the clue. “Works” is present tense, suggesting an ongoing action or a general truth. This might eliminate answers that are specific to a particular time period or a one-time event. It points towards a more timeless, universal concept.
And finally, let’s not forget the golden rule of crossword solving: always check the crossings! The intersecting letters from other answers are invaluable clues. They can quickly narrow down the possibilities and reveal hidden patterns. One or two correct letters can transform a seemingly impossible clue into a satisfying “aha!” moment. So, meticulously examine the surrounding words and see if they offer any hints.
Before you dash off to the internet (and please, don’t!), remember to run through these possibilities. Consider the common farming practices, the natural forces at play, the tools employed, and of course, the crucial hints provided by the intersecting letters. Good luck, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
TILLS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Kathy Lowden / Ed. Patti Varol