Attempts To Remove Some Barriers Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 11, 2025

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Attempts to Remove Some Barriers: A Crossword Clue Deep Dive

This article explores the crossword clue "Attempts to Remove Some Barriers," delving into its potential answers and the reasoning behind them. We'll examine various approaches to solving this type of clue, covering wordplay techniques and the importance of considering context within the crossword puzzle itself. Our goal is to equip you with the tools to confidently tackle similar clues in the future.

Understanding the Clue:

The clue "Attempts to Remove Some Barriers" is a cryptic clue, meaning it doesn't directly provide the answer. Instead, it uses wordplay and indirect phrasing to guide the solver towards the solution. The clue’s structure hints at a word or phrase that signifies "attempts" and another that suggests "removing barriers." The combined meaning should lead to a single answer that fits the crossword grid's length and letter constraints.

Potential Answers and Their Rationale:

Several words and phrases could potentially fit this clue, depending on the crossword's difficulty and overall theme. Here are some possibilities and the reasoning behind them:

• BREAKTHROUGHS: This is a strong contender. "Break" implies an attempt to overcome, and "through" suggests removing a barrier. The combined word, "breakthroughs," represents significant progress achieved by overcoming obstacles. This answer fits thematically, implying multiple successful attempts.

• EFFORTS: A more general answer. "Efforts" encompass attempts to achieve something, and overcoming barriers often requires considerable effort. This is a plausible solution, particularly if other clues provide a less specific context.

• STRUGGLES: This option presents a slightly different angle. While "struggles" imply attempts to remove barriers, they also highlight the difficulty involved. This might be a better fit for a crossword with a more challenging or negative tone.

• ASSAULTS (with caution): Depending on the context, "assaults" could be considered a forceful attempt to remove barriers. However, this word carries a much more negative connotation and might not be appropriate for all crossword puzzles. Use this answer only if strongly supported by the surrounding clues.

• DEMOLITIONS: This is a more forceful approach, suggesting the complete removal of barriers. It could be a suitable answer if the crossword's theme revolves around destruction or major changes.

Wordplay Techniques Used in Cryptic Clues:

Cryptic crossword clues often employ several wordplay techniques. In this case, we see:

• Double Definition: The clue might subtly contain two definitions of the answer. For example, "BREAKTHROUGHS" could be considered a double definition: a) an attempt to remove barriers, and b) a significant advancement achieved after overcoming obstacles.

• Charade: This technique builds the answer by combining different parts. The clue might split the answer into parts, each representing a stage in the attempt to remove barriers.

• Anagram: The letters of the answer might be an anagram of another word or phrase related to the clue. However, this technique seems less likely for this particular clue.

Importance of Context:

Solving a cryptic crossword clue effectively requires considering its surrounding clues. The grid itself provides valuable information:

• Crossings: The letters that intersect with the answer can significantly narrow down the possibilities. If you already have some letters in place, you can use them to eliminate potential solutions.

• Word Length: The number of squares allocated to the answer dictates its word length. This is crucial in eliminating answers.

• Theme: Many crosswords have overarching themes. Understanding the theme can help you choose an answer that aligns with the puzzle's overall context. For example, if the crossword focuses on scientific breakthroughs, "BREAKTHROUGHS" would be a much stronger contender than "EFFORTS."

Strategic Approach to Solving:

To approach this type of clue effectively, consider these steps:

1. Identify the Key Words: Analyze the clue carefully, identifying the main words and phrases. In this case, "Attempts" and "Remove Some Barriers" are the key elements.

2. Consider Different Interpretations: Explore various meanings and interpretations for each key word. Look for synonyms and related words.

3. Think About Wordplay: Consider different wordplay techniques that could be employed. Try combining different words and phrases.

4. Use Crossings: Use the intersecting letters to eliminate possibilities and help narrow your choices.

5. Check the Word Length: Ensure the potential answer matches the number of squares available in the grid.

6. Consider the Theme (if any): The overall theme of the crossword can provide additional clues.

Conclusion:

The crossword clue "Attempts to Remove Some Barriers" is a prime example of a cryptic clue requiring careful analysis and strategic thinking. While several answers are possible, understanding wordplay techniques and leveraging context within the puzzle are crucial for finding the correct solution. By practicing these strategies, you'll significantly improve your ability to tackle complex cryptic crossword clues. Remember, perseverance and a systematic approach are key to mastering the art of cryptic crossword solving.