“Zero stars from me!”

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“Zero Stars From Me!” – A Crossword Clue That Left Me Starstruck (But Not in a Good Way)

Ah, the joy of a good crossword puzzle. The satisfying click of the pen as you fill in the grid, the thrill of deciphering a tricky clue, the quiet sense of accomplishment when you finally crack the final square. But sometimes, even the most seasoned solver encounters a clue that leaves them scratching their head, muttering under their breath, and wishing they’d never picked up the pen in the first place.

Today, I’m tackling a clue that has earned a resounding “zero stars from me!” It’s a clue that feels unfair, obscure, and frankly, a little bit insulting to my crossword solving intelligence.

This clue, found in [insert publication/website/event], is a real head-scratcher. It reads:

[Insert crossword clue here]

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “It’s just a crossword clue, calm down!” And you’re right, to an extent. But this clue just rubs me the wrong way. Firstly, it relies on a bit of obscure knowledge that I, and I’m sure many fellow solvers, simply don’t have. It’s like expecting someone to know the capital of a random country in the middle of nowhere. It’s just not fair.

Secondly, the clue is worded in a way that feels deliberately misleading. It uses a wordplay technique that, while clever in theory, ultimately just serves to obscure the actual answer. It’s like being offered a delicious-looking dessert, only to discover it’s filled with something bitter and unappetizing.

And lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the clue simply isn’t fun. Crossword puzzles should be a source of enjoyment, a way to stretch your mind and expand your knowledge. This clue, however, feels like a chore, a frustrating obstacle to overcome rather than a delightful puzzle to solve.

So, there you have it. My rant about a crossword clue that deserves zero stars. What do you think? Have you encountered any similar frustrating clues in your crossword solving adventures? Share your experiences in the comments below!

“Zero stars from me!”

Available Answers:

I HATE IT!.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 26 Aug 24, Monday