When Doubled Dismiss Out Of Hand Crossword Clue

admin

You need 4 min read

·

Post on Jan 10, 2025

47 visitor like this post

Share

When Doubled, Dismiss Out of Hand: Unraveling the Crossword Clue

The crossword clue "When doubled, dismiss out of hand" presents a fascinating challenge, requiring solvers to think laterally and consider wordplay beyond the literal meaning. This article will delve into the solution, explore the reasoning behind the clue's construction, and examine similar cryptic crossword techniques to enhance your puzzle-solving skills.

The Solution: WAVE

The answer to the clue "When doubled, dismiss out of hand" is WAVE. Let's break down why:

• Dismiss out of hand: This phrase implies a casual dismissal, a rejection without serious consideration.
• Doubled: This is the crucial wordplay element. The clue doesn't mean "two instances of dismissing," but rather that the solution, when doubled, forms a phrase synonymous with dismissing out of hand.
• WAVE (doubled): WAVE WAVE: This can be interpreted as "wave away," meaning to dismiss something with a dismissive gesture. "Wave something away" is a common idiom for dismissing something casually.

Understanding the Cryptic Clue Construction

Cryptic crosswords rely on clever wordplay and misdirection. This clue utilizes several common techniques:

• Double Definition: While not strictly a double definition clue (which usually presents two independent definitions of the same word), it shares a similar structure. The clue presents two aspects: the action of "dismissing out of hand" and the wordplay of doubling the solution.
• Hidden Word: Some cryptic clues incorporate a hidden word within the clue itself. This isn't the case here, but it's a valuable technique to recognize.
• Anagram: Another common technique involves anagrams, where the letters of a word are rearranged to form a new word. Again, this is not used in this particular clue.
• Container: This technique involves one word being "contained" within another. This isn't present either, but it's a common type of cryptic clue.
• Charade: This clue type involves assembling parts of words to create the solution. While "WAVE WAVE" is a form of doubling, it doesn't perfectly fit the classical definition of a Charade clue.

Similar Cryptic Crossword Techniques

To become a proficient solver of cryptic crosswords, understanding various techniques is crucial. Let's explore some similar clue types to the "When doubled, dismiss out of hand" clue:

• Hidden Word Clues: These clues hide the answer within the clue itself. For example, "Contained in 'magazine' is a publication" would lead to the answer "GAZINE" (hidden within "magazine").

• Anagram Clues: These clues indicate that the answer is an anagram of the given letters. For example, "Confused parrot (anagram of TOPPER)" would give you the answer "PROPPER."

• Double Definition Clues: These clues present two separate definitions of the answer. For example, "Seabird or a type of musical composition" would likely lead to the answer "SONATA."

• Container Clues: These clues indicate one word contains another. For example, "A small mammal in a tree" might be the answer "SQUIRREL" (SQUIR in REL).

Tips for Solving Cryptic Crosswords

Solving cryptic crosswords requires practice and patience. Here are some tips that can improve your skills:

• Look for Wordplay: Don't take the clues literally. Most cryptic clues rely on some form of wordplay.
• Identify Clue Types: Familiarize yourself with common cryptic crossword techniques, such as anagrams, hidden words, containers, and double definitions.
• Use Cross Letters: The letters you've already filled in can provide significant clues.
• Break Down the Clue: Analyze each part of the clue separately. Often, clues consist of a definition and a wordplay element.
• Consider Synonyms and Idioms: Cryptic clues often use synonyms and idioms.
• Don't Be Afraid to Guess: If you have a hunch, try it out. It might lead you to the correct answer or help you eliminate incorrect possibilities.
• Use a Crossword Solver (Sparingly): If you are completely stuck, you can consult a crossword solver. However, try to solve as much as possible on your own.

The Significance of Cryptic Clues

Cryptic crossword clues are not simply puzzles; they're exercises in creative wordplay and lateral thinking. They challenge solvers to look beyond the obvious, encouraging flexibility and ingenuity. The satisfaction of solving a particularly challenging cryptic clue is immense, rewarding the solver with a sense of accomplishment.

Conclusion

The clue "When doubled, dismiss out of hand" offers a perfect example of a clever cryptic clue utilizing the technique of wordplay based on doubling. The solution, WAVE, fits perfectly, demonstrating the subtle nuances of this puzzle genre. By understanding the principles of cryptic crossword construction and mastering various clue types, you can significantly improve your abilities and enjoy the rewarding challenge of solving these intellectually stimulating puzzles. The more you practice, the sharper your skills will become, allowing you to unravel even the most complex cryptic clues with confidence.