Obeyed An Order At The Dentists Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 17, 2025

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Obeyed an Order at the Dentist's Crossword Clue: Unlocking the Solution

This article delves into the popular crossword clue, "Obeyed an order at the dentist's," exploring its various possible solutions and the reasoning behind them. We'll examine the wordplay involved, consider potential synonyms and related terms, and ultimately provide a comprehensive guide to solving this seemingly simple yet surprisingly multifaceted clue.

Understanding the Clue's Structure

The clue "Obeyed an order at the dentist's" uses a cryptic crossword technique known as a double definition or, more accurately in this case, a cryptic definition with a hidden word. Let's break down what this means:

• Cryptic Definition: The clue doesn't explicitly state the answer. Instead, it uses figurative language to hint at the solution. "Obeyed an order" suggests following instructions, a common experience at the dentist's office.
• Hidden Word: The clue subtly hides the answer within the phrasing itself. This is a common cryptic crossword technique. The solver needs to identify the answer by looking for a word or phrase contained within the clue.

Potential Solutions and Reasoning

The most likely solution to this crossword clue is OPENED. Here's why:

• "Obeyed an order": At the dentist's, one frequently obeys the order to "open wide." This aligns directly with the action implied in the clue.
• "At the dentist's": This part of the clue establishes the context, suggesting that the action of obeying an order is specific to a dental setting.

Let's explore other possibilities, although less likely given the usual constraints of crossword puzzles:

• SAT: While one might "sit" (obey an order to sit) at the dentist's, this lacks the direct link to a common instruction given by dental professionals. The connection is too weak to be a suitable answer.
• COMPLIED: This is a more formal synonym for "obeyed." However, it's significantly longer than typical crossword answers, making it improbable.
• FOLLOWED: Similar to "complied," it's a synonym for "obeyed," but its length is unsuitable for most crossword grids.

Expanding on the Solution: "OPENED"

The word "opened" perfectly encapsulates the essence of the clue. It's a concise answer, and its direct relationship with the action of "opening wide" at the dentist's makes it the most fitting solution.

Wordplay and Cryptic Techniques Used

The clue effectively employs several cryptic crossword techniques:

• Double Definition (or Cryptic Definition): The clue presents two meanings: the literal action of "opening" something and the implied obedience to the dentist's instruction to "open wide."
• Hidden Word (in a sense): While not a classic hidden word puzzle where the answer is literally embedded in the clue's wording, the act of opening one's mouth is inherently implied.

Strategies for Solving Similar Clues

Understanding the structure and techniques employed in this clue can significantly improve your ability to solve similar cryptic crosswords. Here are some key strategies:

• Identify the wordplay: Look for synonyms, hidden words, anagrams, or other cryptic devices within the clue.
• Consider the context: The setting or context provided in the clue (in this case, "at the dentist's") often plays a crucial role in identifying the solution.
• Break down the clue: Separate the clue into its constituent parts to analyze the different layers of meaning.
• Think outside the box (but within reason): Cryptic crosswords often rely on unexpected interpretations of words or phrases.
• Use a crossword solver (with caution): While a solver can provide hints, understanding the why behind the solution is crucial for improvement.

Beyond the Clue: Dental Terminology and Context

This crossword clue cleverly uses everyday experience at the dentist's to create a playful and challenging puzzle. It highlights the importance of understanding context in cryptic crosswords. The simple act of "opening wide" at the dentist transforms from a mundane instruction into a key element of a clever linguistic puzzle.

Further Exploration: Related Crossword Clues

Once you've mastered this clue, you can try similar puzzles exploring other common dental procedures or interactions. For instance, clues related to "filling," "extraction," or "cleaning" could employ equally ingenious cryptic techniques.

Conclusion

The crossword clue "Obeyed an order at the dentist's" successfully integrates wordplay, cryptic definitions, and contextual clues to create a satisfying and engaging puzzle. By understanding the underlying techniques and exploring potential solutions, solvers can enhance their skills and appreciate the artistry involved in cryptic crosswords. The most likely answer, "OPENED," stands out due to its brevity, direct connection to the clue's context, and successful utilization of a cryptic definition. Remember, practice and understanding the various cryptic crossword techniques are keys to becoming a proficient solver.