Each Asterisked Clue Vis A Vis Its Answer Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 11, 2025

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Unlocking Crossword Clue Mysteries: A Deep Dive into Asterisked Clues and Their Answers

Crossword puzzles, those delightful brain teasers, often present challenges beyond the straightforward. One common hurdle? The asterisked clue. These clues, marked with an asterisk (*), signify something different, something more complex than a simple definition. Understanding the nuances of asterisked clues is key to conquering even the most challenging crossword grids. This article explores various types of asterisked clues, providing examples and strategies to decipher their cryptic meanings and arrive at the correct answer.

The Nature of the Asterisk:

The asterisk, in the context of crossword clues, is a signal that the clue isn't a straightforward definition. It hints at a wordplay element, a hidden meaning, or a structure that needs to be deciphered. This could involve anagrams, charades, hidden words, cryptic definitions, or combinations thereof. The asterisk serves as a warning that you'll need to think outside the box to find the solution.

Common Types of Asterisked Clues:

Let's examine some common types of asterisked clues and how they differ:

1. Anagrams:

These clues often contain words like "anagram," "shuffled," "reordered," or "mixed." The asterisk indicates that the answer is an anagram of the words given in the clue.

Example Clue: "Disorganized zoo (anagram)" Answer: OZOZONE

Explanation: The letters in "disorganized zoo" can be rearranged to spell "ozone."

Strategy: Look for clue words suggesting rearrangement. Consider the letter count of the clue and the potential answer.

2. Hidden Words:

Sometimes, the answer is hidden within the clue itself. The asterisk highlights this concealment.

Example Clue: "Hidden in 'understatement' (hidden)" Answer: STATE

Explanation: The word "STATE" is hidden within the word "understatement."

Strategy: Carefully examine each word in the clue, looking for sequences of letters that could form a valid answer.

3. Double Definitions:

Asterisked clues can sometimes have two meanings, both equally valid. The asterisk signals that you need to find a word that fits both definitions.

Example Clue: "Small insect, or a light bulb (double definition)" Answer: BUG

Explanation: "Bug" refers to both a small insect and a slang term for a fault in a computer program or system.

Strategy: Consider multiple possible interpretations of the clue words. Look for words with multiple, related meanings.

4. Cryptic Definitions:

These clues utilize wordplay or indirect phrasing to hint at the answer. The asterisk signals the presence of cryptic elements.

Example Clue: "What a snail leaves behind (cryptic definition)" Answer: TRAIL

Explanation: While not a direct definition, the clue hints at the trail a snail leaves.

Strategy: Look beyond the literal meaning. Consider metaphorical interpretations, puns, or wordplay.

5. Reversals:

Sometimes, the answer is the reversal of a word or phrase found in the clue. The asterisk signals this reversal.

Example Clue: "Reversed river (reversal)" Answer: AVON (reversal of NOVA)

Strategy: Look for clue words suggesting a backward spelling or a mirrored image.

6. Charades:

These clues represent answers as a series of words or actions to be enacted. The asterisk indicates that a combination of smaller units forms the final answer.

Example Clue: "First part of the day + a type of fruit (charades)" Answer: MORNINGGLORY

Explanation: MORNING (first part of the day) + GLORY (a type of fruit)

Strategy: Break down the clue into its component parts and consider the relationship between them.

7. Combinations of Techniques:

Often, asterisked clues combine several of these techniques. The challenge lies in recognizing and deciphering each element.

Example Clue: "Upset badger, reordered (anagram & reversal)" Answer: GRABBED (anagram of "badger" reversed)

Strategy: Systematically examine the clue for possible anagrams, hidden words, reversals, etc.

Advanced Asterisk Clues:

As you progress in your crossword solving, you'll encounter even more complex asterisked clues. These may involve puns, cryptic numerology, or other forms of wordplay that require a deeper understanding of language and word construction.

Tips for Solving Asterisked Clues:

• Read the clue carefully: Pay attention to every word and its possible connotations.
• Identify clue words: Words like "anagram," "hidden," "reversal," etc., provide valuable hints.
• Consider different interpretations: Don't stick to the first interpretation that comes to mind.
• Use a dictionary and thesaurus: These resources can help you explore synonyms, related words, and different meanings.
• Check the crossers: Letters from intersecting words can provide valuable clues.
• Don't be afraid to guess: If you're unsure, try a plausible answer and see if it fits the crossers.
• Practice: The more you solve crosswords, the better you'll become at identifying and solving asterisked clues.

Conclusion:

The asterisked clue is a hallmark of the challenging crossword puzzle. By understanding the common types of asterisked clues and employing effective solving strategies, you can transform these puzzles from intimidating obstacles into satisfying intellectual conquests. Remember that practice is crucial. The more you encounter and solve these clues, the more intuitive the process will become, unlocking a deeper appreciation for the artistry and ingenuity of crossword construction. So, grab your pen (or digital stylus), embrace the challenge, and enjoy the rewarding journey of unraveling those asterisked mysteries!