Request By Someone With A Tongue Depressor Crossword Clue

admin

You need 4 min read

·

Post on Jan 18, 2025

57 visitor like this post

Share

Request by Someone with a Tongue Depressor Crossword Clue: Unlocking the Answer

The crossword clue "Request by someone with a tongue depressor" is a clever and challenging one, requiring a bit of lateral thinking to solve. It plays on the dual meaning of a tongue depressor, an object used in medical examinations, and the act of suppressing or holding back something. This article will delve into the various approaches to solving this cryptic clue, exploring the wordplay involved and uncovering the most likely answer. We'll also examine similar crossword clues and the strategies used to decipher them.

Understanding the Clue's Structure:

Cryptic crossword clues often combine a definition with wordplay. In this case, the "request" part is a straightforward definition, while "someone with a tongue depressor" provides the wordplay element. The solver needs to identify a word that fits both parts of the clue.

Deciphering the Wordplay:

The key lies in understanding the context of a "tongue depressor." In a medical setting, it's used by a doctor or nurse. Therefore, "someone with a tongue depressor" can be interpreted as someone who makes a request in that setting.

Possible Answers and Their Reasoning:

The most probable answer is EXAM. Here's why:

• Definition: An "exam" is a type of request, often implicit, for information or assessment. A patient is implicitly requesting an examination when they present themselves to a doctor.

• Wordplay: A doctor uses a tongue depressor during an examination. Thus, the word "exam" is strongly linked to the image of someone using a tongue depressor.

Let's examine other potential (but less likely) solutions and why they might be less suitable:

• CHECKUP: While a checkup involves a tongue depressor, it's less concise as a direct request. The clue specifically mentions a request, and "checkup" implies a more comprehensive process.

• ASSESSMENT: Similar to "checkup," "assessment" describes a process rather than a direct request.

• MEDICINE: While relevant to a medical setting and the use of a tongue depressor, "medicine" doesn't directly imply a request.

Strategies for Solving Cryptic Crosswords:

Solving cryptic crosswords requires a combination of skills and techniques:

1. Identify the Definition: The first step is to identify the straightforward definition part of the clue. In this case, it's "request."

2. Analyze the Wordplay: Focus on the wordplay element, identifying puns, anagrams, hidden words, or other forms of word manipulation. Here, the focus was on the role and context of the tongue depressor.

3. Consider Multiple Interpretations: Cryptic clues often have multiple layers of meaning. Be open to different interpretations of the wordplay.

4. Check the Crossings: Use the letters already filled in from intersecting clues to help narrow down the possibilities.

5. Look for Synonyms and Related Words: If you're struggling, consider synonyms or related words for both the definition and the wordplay elements.

Similar Crossword Clues and Their Solutions:

Understanding the "Request by someone with a tongue depressor" clue helps us tackle similar cryptic clues. Here are a few examples and potential solutions:

• "Doctor's request (4)": This could be EXAM again, as it is a four-letter word that aligns with the context.

• "Inquiry using a medical instrument (5)": This could point to CHECK or even PROBE, depending on the available crossing letters.

• "Something requested during a throat examination (6)": Here, the answer would likely be something associated with throat examination, such as GLANCE or VIEWING (depending on the number of letters required).

Expanding the Scope: The Importance of Context in Cryptic Crosswords:

The context of the entire crossword is crucial. The surrounding clues and the overall theme (if any) can significantly impact the possible answers. A clue might appear ambiguous in isolation but become crystal clear when considered within the broader puzzle.

Conclusion:

The crossword clue "Request by someone with a tongue depressor" expertly uses wordplay to challenge the solver. By understanding the double meaning of the "tongue depressor," we can deduce the most probable answer: EXAM. Mastering the techniques of cryptic crossword solving involves careful analysis of both the definition and the wordplay, consideration of multiple interpretations, and a reliance on the context of the entire puzzle. Practicing these strategies will enhance your ability to crack even the most challenging cryptic clues and unlock the satisfying 'aha!' moment of solving the puzzle.