Unlocking the Enigma: Singer Known for Her 85 Across Crossword Clue
The seemingly simple crossword clue, "Singer known for her 85 Across," immediately sparks curiosity. It’s a meta-clue, a clever construct that relies on the solver understanding another clue within the puzzle itself. To solve it, we need to decipher what "85 Across" represents. This article will delve into the process of solving such meta-clues, explore the potential candidates for this enigmatic singer, and discuss the broader implications of such cryptic crossword constructions.
Deciphering the Meta-Clue:
The key to solving this crossword clue lies in understanding the structure of the puzzle itself. "85 Across" refers to another clue, most likely a horizontal clue, located at the 85th position in the crossword grid. This clue will itself provide a crucial piece of information – perhaps a name, a descriptive phrase, or a significant characteristic – that leads directly to the identity of the singer.
Without the full crossword puzzle, pinpointing the exact answer remains impossible. However, we can speculate based on common crossword strategies and the general knowledge needed to solve such puzzles.
Potential Approaches and Candidate Singers:
Several approaches can be taken to identify the singer:
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Thematic Clues: The "85 Across" clue may directly relate to a specific theme or topic within the crossword. If the puzzle centers around a particular era of music, genre, or cultural movement, the singer will likely fit within that context.
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Number Significance: The number 85 itself could hold significance. Is it related to a particular album release date, chart position, or a year of importance in the singer's career? This requires some creative number crunching and potentially some research on prominent singers.
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Descriptive Clues: The "85 Across" clue might offer a descriptive phrase. This could be related to the singer’s vocal style, musical genre, or a defining characteristic of their image or personality. Examples could be "Queen of Soul," "Voice of a Generation," or "Disco Diva."
Based on these approaches, several potential candidates emerge. These aren't definitive answers without the full crossword, but they represent singers known for specific traits that could be referenced in an "85 Across" clue:
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Aretha Franklin: Often dubbed the "Queen of Soul," her powerful vocals and significant influence on music would make her a strong candidate. An "85 Across" clue might refer to her soulful style or a specific hit song.
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Whitney Houston: The "Voice of a Generation," her unparalleled vocal range and immense popularity make her a viable option. An "85 Across" clue could relate to her vocal abilities or one of her numerous chart-topping hits.
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Madonna: Known for her constant reinvention and iconic status, Madonna could be a fit. An "85 Across" clue might hint at her groundbreaking music videos or her influential career spanning decades.
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Diana Ross: A celebrated figure in the music world, her vocal talent and contributions to Motown make her another strong contender. An "85 Across" clue might relate to the Supremes or her solo career.
The Importance of Context and Wordplay:
Crucially, the success of solving this meta-clue hinges on understanding the context of the entire crossword puzzle. The surrounding clues will offer hints and potential connections to the "85 Across" clue and the singer's identity. Crossword constructors often employ wordplay, puns, and double meanings, making the puzzle even more challenging and rewarding.
Beyond the Answer: The Art of the Meta-Clue
Meta-clues elevate the crossword puzzle from a simple word game to a complex brain teaser that requires lateral thinking and a blend of logic and creative problem-solving. They demand a deeper understanding of the puzzle's structure and the constructors' intentions.
The creation of a successful meta-clue is a testament to the artistry of crossword construction. It requires careful planning, meticulous word selection, and a profound understanding of language and the solver's experience.
Expanding the Search: Using Online Resources
To effectively solve this type of meta-clue, several online resources can prove invaluable:
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Crossword Solving Forums: Online communities dedicated to crossword puzzles are a treasure trove of experience and hints. Sharing the "85 Across" clue in these forums could lead to collaborative problem-solving and faster solutions.
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Crossword Databases: Websites and databases containing archives of crossword puzzles can offer valuable insight into common clues and patterns used by constructors.
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Music History Resources: Researching the history of music, focusing on landmark events, and examining significant chart positions or album releases can provide additional clues.
Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge
Solving the crossword clue, "Singer known for her 85 Across," is a stimulating intellectual exercise. It requires not only knowledge of popular music but also a deep understanding of how meta-clues function within the broader context of crossword puzzles. By understanding the potential approaches, identifying possible candidates, and utilizing available resources, solvers can unlock the enigma and revel in the satisfaction of a successfully solved meta-clue. The challenge lies not only in finding the answer but also in appreciating the artistry and cleverness inherent in this type of crossword puzzle construction. The journey towards solving it is just as rewarding as the final answer itself.