Removes As From A Fixed Rate Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 12, 2025

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Unmasking the Mystery: Removing "AS" from Fixed-Rate Crossword Clues

Crossword puzzles, those delightful brain teasers, often rely on wordplay to challenge and entertain. One common technique involves removing letters from a phrase to create a new word or phrase that fits the clue. This article delves into the specific challenge of removing "AS" from fixed-rate crossword clues, exploring the techniques used to solve such clues and the underlying linguistic principles at play. We'll uncover the strategies employed by both setters and solvers, providing a comprehensive guide to mastering this particular crossword conundrum.

Understanding the "Remove AS" Technique:

The clue itself will rarely explicitly state "remove AS." Instead, the clue's wording will subtly suggest the removal. This often involves a definition that seemingly doesn't quite fit the answer length, hinting at the need for some manipulation. Clues may utilize indirect phrasing, implying a transformation or alteration of a phrase. For example, a clue might involve a definition related to a fixed rate, possibly including words that, when considered with the omission of "AS," would create the intended answer.

Common Clue Structures and Wordplay:

Clue construction for this type of puzzle relies on several common techniques:

• Hidden Word Clues: The answer might be hidden within a longer phrase, with "AS" acting as a bridge between two parts of the answer. The clue will often provide a definition that hints at the hidden word. The solver needs to identify the hidden word and then remove the "AS" to arrive at the solution.

• Anagram Clues: The clue might present a phrase which, when the "AS" is removed, can be rearranged to form the answer. Anagram indicators like "confused," "mixed up," or "jumbled" frequently appear in clues of this type.

• Charades-style Clues: These clues break down the answer into parts, with one part potentially representing the removal of "AS" from a larger phrase.

• Double Definition Clues: The clue offers two distinct definitions, one of which relates to the phrase before the "AS" is removed, and the other relates to the answer itself. This requires solvers to identify the original phrase and then perform the subtraction.

• Cryptic Definition Clues: This involves a more subtle definition, where the surface meaning hints at the need for removing "AS" to get to the correct answer.

Examples and Solutions:

Let's illustrate with some hypothetical examples:

Example 1:

• Clue: Fixed rate, lacking a specific condition (7)**
• Solution: Suppose the answer is "FLATFEE." A “fixed rate” might be a “flat fee as is.” Removing "AS" yields the answer.

Example 2:

• Clue: Jumbled interest, minus a clause (5)**
• Solution: If the answer is "RATES," the clue might suggest a jumbled phrase like "TREATS AS" that becomes "RATES" after removing "AS" and rearranging the letters.

Example 3:

• Clue: Stable charge, without qualification (6)**
• Solution: A stable charge could be expressed as "FIXED AS RATE." Removing "AS" results in "FIXED RATE."

Example 4:

• Clue: Consistent price, forget the detail (8)**
• Solution: Consider a phrase like "REGULAR AS CLOCKWORK". Removing "AS" gives you "REGULAR CLOCKWORK". This might be shortened to the answer, assuming a clue implies the need for a shorter, related term.

Advanced Techniques and Considerations:

• Multiple "AS" instances: Some particularly challenging clues might involve multiple instances of "AS" within a phrase, requiring careful analysis to determine which instance(s) to remove to reach the correct solution.

• Context is Key: Understanding the overall theme or topic of the crossword can provide valuable clues. The theme might suggest a certain type of fixed rate, limiting the possibilities and guiding the solver.

• Crossword Dictionary: While not always necessary, a crossword dictionary can be useful for identifying synonyms and related terms that might help unlock the solution.

Strategic Approaches for Solvers:

• Consider word length: The length of the answer is crucial. It helps narrow down the possibilities when considering phrases related to fixed rates.

• Look for anagram indicators: Words like "jumbled," "mixed up," "confused" often signal anagrams, indicating that letter rearrangement will be necessary.

• Check for hidden words: Scan the clue carefully for words that might be hidden within longer phrases.

• Examine the definition: Analyze the clue’s definition carefully. Look for potential synonyms or related terms that might suggest the initial phrase before the "AS" removal.

Conclusion:

The challenge of removing "AS" from fixed-rate crossword clues demands a multifaceted approach. A thorough understanding of wordplay techniques, a keen eye for detail, and a strategic approach are essential for success. By mastering the techniques and employing a methodical process, solvers can unravel the linguistic puzzles presented by these intriguing crossword clues, enhancing their crossword-solving skills and experiencing the rewarding feeling of a correctly solved puzzle. Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you engage with these types of clues, the more adept you'll become at recognizing the patterns and solving them efficiently.