When Repeated Old Macdonald Cry Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 20, 2025

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When Repeated Old Macdonald Cry Crossword Clue: A Comprehensive Guide

The crossword clue "When repeated, Old Macdonald cry" is a cleverly disguised cryptic clue, requiring more than just surface-level understanding. It plays on the familiar children's song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" and the sound associated with the animals. This article delves into the solution, explores similar cryptic clue techniques, and offers strategies for solving such puzzles.

Understanding the Clue:

The clue "When repeated, Old Macdonald cry" is a double definition clue, a common type in cryptic crosswords. It presents two independent definitions that both lead to the same answer. Let's break down each part:

• "Old Macdonald cry": This refers to the sounds the animals make in the song. Think "E-I-E-I-O" and the sounds of the animals that follow – "With a moo-moo here, and a moo-moo there..."

• "When repeated": This is the crucial part of the clue. It's not enough to simply think of one animal sound. The clue implies that the answer is a word formed by repeating a sound.

The Solution:

The solution to the crossword clue is "MEE MEE".

• "Mee" is the sound a goat makes.
• "Mee Mee" is the repetition of this sound as suggested by the clue.

Cryptic Crossword Techniques at Play:

This clue cleverly employs several standard cryptic crossword techniques:

• Double Definition: As mentioned, the clue provides two independent definitions that point towards the same answer.
• Hidden Word: While not explicitly used here, hidden word clues often involve finding the answer hidden within the words of the clue itself.
• Anagram: Anagram clues involve rearranging the letters of a word or phrase to form the answer. This clue doesn't use an anagram but understanding anagram clues is valuable in solving cryptic crosswords.
• Container Clue: A container clue involves placing one word inside another. This isn't present in our example clue.
• Charade Clue: A charade clue builds the answer by combining several words or parts of words. This isn't directly applied here, but understanding charades is crucial.

Strategies for Solving Cryptic Clues:

Solving cryptic crosswords requires practice and a grasp of various techniques. Here are some helpful strategies:

1. Analyze the Clue: Carefully examine each part of the clue. Identify keywords and potential wordplay. Look for grammatical hints that might indicate the type of clue (e.g., "sounds like" for homophones).

2. Consider Different Interpretations: Cryptic clues often have multiple layers of meaning. Don't stick to your first interpretation.

3. Look for Synonyms and Related Words: The clue might not use the exact word for the answer, but rather a synonym or related term.

4. Use Cross-References: If you're stuck on a specific clue, use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These cross-references can help you narrow down the possibilities.

5. Break Down the Clue: Sometimes, breaking the clue into smaller parts can reveal hidden meanings or wordplay.

6. Think Outside the Box: Cryptic clues are designed to be challenging. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and consider unusual or unexpected answers.

7. Learn Cryptic Crossword Terminology: Familiarize yourself with cryptic crossword terminology such as "homophone," "anagram," "container," and "double definition."

8. Practice Regularly: The key to mastering cryptic crosswords is consistent practice. The more puzzles you attempt, the better you'll become at recognizing common techniques and patterns.

9. Use Online Resources: Numerous websites and apps provide cryptic crossword solutions, explanations, and tips.

10. Enjoy the Challenge: Cryptic crosswords are meant to be challenging, so enjoy the intellectual stimulation and satisfaction of cracking the code.

Beyond "Mee Mee": Similar Cryptic Clues

Many cryptic clues utilize similar techniques. Consider these examples:

• "Farm animal sound repeated twice": This is a very similar clue, clearly pointing towards a repeated animal sound.
• "A bird's repeated cry": This could lead to answers like "Tweet Tweet" or "Coo Coo".
• "What Old MacDonald heard from his sheep (repeated)": This clue explicitly mentions the context of "Old MacDonald", guiding solvers towards the relevant animal sounds.

Conclusion:

The clue "When repeated, Old Macdonald cry" highlights the ingenuity and wordplay inherent in cryptic crosswords. By understanding the techniques employed—specifically the double definition and the implied repetition—and applying effective solving strategies, you can unlock the answers to even the most challenging cryptic clues. Remember, practice is key to mastering this rewarding and intellectually stimulating puzzle form. The more you engage with cryptic crosswords, the better equipped you'll be to unravel their intricate wordplay and find the satisfying solution.