Remits as a Check: Unlocking the Crossword Clue's Hidden Meaning
This comprehensive guide delves into the crossword clue "Remits as a check," exploring its multifaceted meaning and providing a detailed understanding of why this seemingly simple phrase holds significant weight in the world of word puzzles and financial terminology. We'll unravel the linguistic nuances, uncover the underlying connections between remittances and checks, and provide you with the tools to confidently solve similar clues in the future.
Understanding the Clue: Remits as a Check
The clue "Remits as a check" is a cryptic crossword clue, meaning it doesn't offer a direct synonym for the answer. Instead, it presents a relationship or a description that requires the solver to deduce the correct word. The clue plays on the double meaning of "remits" and the function of a check as a financial instrument.
Let's break down the two key components:
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Remits: This verb implies the act of sending or transmitting money. It's often used in contexts involving payments, particularly across distances. Think of international money transfers or sending payments to vendors.
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Check: This word has two relevant meanings here:
- A financial instrument: A check is a written order instructing a bank to pay a specific amount of money from the drawer's account to the payee.
- To verify or examine: This secondary meaning is less relevant to the crossword clue but highlights the versatility of the word "check."
The clue links these two meanings by suggesting that the act of remitting (sending money) is akin to writing or using a check. Therefore, the answer is a word closely associated with the process of sending money, often through a financial institution.
The Answer: Possible Solutions & Their Nuances
While several words could technically fit the description of "remits as a check," the most likely and widely accepted answer is "PAYMENT."
Here's why:
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Direct Relationship: A payment is the core action behind both remitting and writing a check. Both actions fundamentally involve transferring money.
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Broad Applicability: The word "payment" encompasses various methods of transferring funds, including checks, but is not limited to them. This aligns with the clue's implicit breadth.
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Crossword Clue Logic: Cryptic crossword clues often require the solver to think laterally and identify the common thread connecting seemingly disparate concepts. "Payment" elegantly bridges the gap between "remits" and "check" by representing the underlying transaction.
Other Potential Answers (and why they are less likely):
While "payment" is the most likely answer, depending on the specific crossword puzzle's difficulty and context, other possibilities might exist, albeit less probable:
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TRANSFER: This is a viable alternative, emphasizing the movement of money. However, "payment" is generally preferred due to its more direct connection with the act of settling a debt or fulfilling a financial obligation.
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REMITTANCE: This word is the noun form of "remits." While technically correct, it's less likely as it's a more direct and less cryptic answer than "payment." Cryptic crosswords generally favor answers that require a bit more deduction.
Expanding on the Financial Context: Remittances and Checks
The clue taps into the broader concept of remittances, which are transfers of money from one person to another, often across international borders. While checks were once a prominent method for remittances, their use has diminished with the rise of electronic transfers, online banking, and other digital payment systems.
The clue subtly acknowledges this evolution in financial technology while maintaining its focus on the fundamental act of sending money.
Solving Similar Clues: Strategies and Tips
Mastering cryptic crossword clues requires practice and a keen understanding of wordplay. To confidently tackle similar clues in the future, consider these strategies:
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Identify Keywords: Pinpoint the key words within the clue and analyze their multiple meanings.
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Look for Relationships: Examine the relationship between the different parts of the clue. Are they synonyms, antonyms, or do they share a common element?
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Consider Wordplay: Cryptic crosswords often use puns, anagrams, and hidden words to create their cryptic nature.
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Think Outside the Box: Don't be afraid to think creatively and explore less obvious connections between words.
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Use Reference Materials: Crossword dictionaries and online resources can be invaluable when dealing with particularly challenging clues.
Conclusion: The Power of Cryptic Clues
The crossword clue "Remits as a check" exemplifies the intellectual stimulation and linguistic dexterity required to solve cryptic puzzles. By understanding the multiple meanings of the words involved and recognizing the underlying relationship between them, solvers can unravel the puzzle and arrive at the correct answer, "payment." This seemingly simple clue highlights the richness and complexity embedded within the seemingly straightforward world of cryptic crossword puzzles. Through practice and a strategic approach, you too can master the art of deciphering such clues and unlock their hidden meanings.