Things You Put Up When You Put Em Up Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 15, 2025

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Unlocking the Mystery: Things You Put Up When You Put 'Em Up – A Crossword Clue Deep Dive

The crossword clue "Things you put up when you put 'em up" is a delightfully tricky one, playing on the double meaning of "put up." This seemingly simple phrase hides a multitude of potential answers, making it a fascinating puzzle for both experienced and novice solvers. This article delves into the various interpretations and potential solutions, offering a comprehensive exploration of this cryptic clue.

Understanding the Double Meaning:

The key to solving this clue lies in recognizing the dual nature of the phrase "put up." It can refer to:

1. Physically erecting or installing something: This could involve hanging pictures on a wall, putting up shelves, erecting a tent, or raising a flag. The objects in question are then literally "put up."

2. Putting up with something or someone: This suggests tolerating or enduring a difficult situation, person, or behavior. The act of "putting up" in this context is metaphorical, referring to patience and endurance.

Potential Answers Based on the Physical Interpretation:

If we interpret "put up" as the physical act of erection or installation, several potential answers emerge:

• SHELVES: This is a strong contender. We physically put up shelves, and the act of putting them up is inherent to their existence.
• PICTURES: Hanging pictures is a common household task, fitting the clue perfectly.
• POSTERS: Similar to pictures, posters are affixed to walls, making this another viable solution.
• FLAGS: Raising a flag is a direct and literal example of "putting something up."
• TENTS: Erecting a tent is a clear instance of the action described in the clue.
• CURTAINS: Hanging curtains is another household task that matches the clue's description.
• WALLPAPER: Although the process is more involved, wallpaper is ultimately "put up" on walls.
• LIGHT FIXTURES: Installing light fixtures involves putting them up, making this a plausible answer.
• BANNERS: Banners are frequently hung or displayed, fitting the clue's meaning.

Potential Answers Based on the Metaphorical Interpretation:

The metaphorical interpretation of "put up" opens up a more abstract range of possibilities:

• ARGUMENTS: We might "put up with" arguments, suggesting tolerance of difficult situations. This answer is less literal but still conceptually fits the clue.
• INSULTS: Similarly, we might "put up with" insults, highlighting endurance in the face of adversity.
• MISBEHAVIOR: Tolerating misbehavior from children or others aligns with the metaphorical interpretation.
• DIFFICULTIES: "Putting up with" difficulties implies enduring hardships and challenges.
• INCONVENIENCES: This is another abstract answer representing something we might tolerate or endure.

Considering Crossword Construction:

The choice of the correct answer depends heavily on the surrounding clues and the overall crossword grid. Factors to consider include:

• Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is crucial. The crossword puzzle will dictate the precise length required.
• Cross-References: Letters already revealed in intersecting clues can significantly narrow down the possibilities.
• Theme: Some crossword puzzles have overarching themes. The clue's answer might relate to the puzzle's overall topic.
• Difficulty Level: Easier puzzles are more likely to use more common and straightforward answers, while more challenging puzzles might employ more obscure or metaphorical solutions.

Strategies for Solving:

If you encounter this clue, here's how to approach it strategically:

1. Start with the Literal: Begin by considering the more straightforward, literal interpretation of "put up." This will likely provide the most common and easily identifiable answers (shelves, pictures, etc.).

2. Consider the Metaphorical: If the literal interpretations don't fit the available letter count or cross-references, consider the metaphorical meaning of "putting up with."

3. Look at the Crosswords: Carefully examine the intersecting clues for hints and letter matches.

4. Use a Crossword Solver: If you're truly stuck, a crossword solver can help narrow down the possibilities based on letter count and cross-references. However, try to solve it yourself first to reap the full satisfaction of the puzzle.

Conclusion:

The crossword clue "Things you put up when you put 'em up" is a testament to the clever wordplay often found in crossword puzzles. Its ambiguity allows for multiple valid answers, depending on the context. By understanding the dual meaning of "put up" and carefully considering the crossword's structure, solvers can unlock the mystery and successfully complete this challenging clue. The experience serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple phrases can hold surprising depth and complexity.