Every seasoned solver knows the thrill of encountering a perfectly crafted crossword clue. It’s that moment when a seemingly straightforward phrase hides a deeper layer of meaning, demanding a particular kind of lateral thinking that makes the eventual breakthrough all the more satisfying. Some clues are masterstrokes of wordplay, others delve into obscure trivia, but the most engaging often tap into our everyday experiences, inviting us to look at common knowledge through a new lens.
Consider a recent entry that sparked much discussion: “You might apply extra sunscreen when it’s high.” At first glance, it feels intuitive, a simple observation about a universal practice. Yet, the precise answer to such a crossword clue isn’t immediately obvious to everyone. This particular clue stands out for its blend of general awareness and a specific technicality, a combination that makes for an exceptionally good challenge in the grid.
Unpacking such a crossword clue often begins with its core elements. The action is clear: applying extra sunscreen. The condition is equally direct: “when it’s high.” The art of solving lies in identifying
what
precisely gets “high” in a context directly relevant to sun protection. It’s not just about the sun itself being high in the sky, though that’s certainly a contributing factor. There’s a more specific, measurable element that dictates the necessity for increased sun protection. This type of crossword clue encourages a thought process that moves from the general concept of sun exposure to the scientific or meteorological factors at play.
The beauty of this kind of crossword clue is its accessibility. It doesn’t rely on arcane knowledge or complex anagrams. Instead, it leverages common sense and a widely understood aspect of health and safety. Yet, pinpointing the exact term needed to fit the grid requires a small mental leap. It’s about narrowing down the general concept of “strong sun” to the specific indicator that health authorities and weather forecasters use to advise on sun protection. The “high” aspect is crucial; it’s the descriptor that unlocks the precise term.
Many solvers find themselves cycling through possibilities related to heat, light, or intensity. The trick for this particular crossword clue is to focus on the
index
or
measurement
that correlates directly with the risk of sun damage. When that specific measure is “high,” it’s a universal signal to take extra precautions, like applying more sunscreen. It’s the kind of crossword clue that, once solved, feels incredibly obvious, leading to that characteristic “aha!” moment that all crossword enthusiasts cherish.
This particular crossword clue is a testament to the ingenuity of puzzle constructors who can take a common activity and frame it in a way that requires a precise, yet accessible, answer. It’s a prime example of how everyday phenomena can be transformed into compelling challenges within the confines of a crossword grid. It illustrates the elegant simplicity that often underpins the most satisfying general knowledge clues, inviting solvers to connect the dots between an action and its underlying scientific reason. This engagement with the real world, filtered through the linguistic precision of a well-crafted crossword clue, is what keeps solvers coming back for more.
Available Answers:
UVINDEX.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Themeless Sunday 141 By August Miller