advice for dealing with a troll crossword clue

HaC 2025

2 min read

·

08-10-2024

45

0

Share

Trolling the Crossword: How to Deal with Those Tricky Clues

Crossword puzzles are a beloved pastime, offering a stimulating mental workout and a sense of accomplishment. But sometimes, the joy of solving can be disrupted by those pesky "troll" clues - the ones that seem designed to mislead, confuse, or simply make you want to tear your hair out.

So, how do you deal with these crossword puzzles' tricksters?

Let's explore some common "troll" clue strategies and how to outsmart them, drawing from insightful advice shared on GitHub:

1. The Double Meaning Clue:

Example: "A small, furry animal that's a popular pet" (5 letters).

The Troll: This clue could easily lead you to think of a hamster or a guinea pig, but the answer is actually "MOUSE." The clue plays on the double meaning of "small" - referring both to size and importance.

GitHub Insight: "[User] - Always look for multiple interpretations of the clue. Don't be afraid to think outside the box."

The Solution: Be on the lookout for words with multiple definitions. Consider the context of the clue and the surrounding answers.

2. The Misdirection Clue:

Example: "The opposite of 'hot'" (4 letters).

The Troll: You might jump to "cold," but the answer is "ICE." The clue deliberately misdirects you towards the traditional opposite of "hot."

GitHub Insight: "[User] - Sometimes the clue uses words that sound similar to the answer, but have a different meaning."

The Solution: Pay attention to the wording of the clue. Don't just assume the obvious answer. Consider alternative meanings and synonyms.

3. The Cryptic Clue:

Example: "A large, round fruit with a hard skin" (6 letters).

The Troll: The answer is "ORANGE." The clue doesn't explicitly state the color, but the association is strong enough to mislead you.

GitHub Insight: "[User] - Cryptic clues often rely on wordplay, puns, or metaphors."

The Solution: Be prepared for wordplay and puns. Consider different ways to interpret the clue. Look for potential hidden meanings.

4. The Trick Answer Clue:

Example: "The first letter of the alphabet" (1 letter).

The Troll: You might be tempted to write "A," but the answer is actually "B" because it's the first letter of the word "alphabet."

GitHub Insight: "[User] - These clues are designed to make you think about the question itself."

The Solution: Read the clue very carefully. Think about the question and the answer as a whole, not just the individual words.

5. The Wildcard Clue:

Example: "A type of fruit" (4 letters).

The Troll: This clue doesn't provide any specific clues, making it a wildcard. The answer could be many things.

GitHub Insight: "[User] - Use the surrounding answers and the cross-references to deduce the possible answers."

The Solution: Use the process of elimination. Look at the intersecting squares and the other clues to narrow down your options.

Beyond the Clues:

Remember, even the toughest troll clues can be overcome with a little patience, persistence, and a healthy dose of crossword puzzle-solving skills. Embrace the challenge, and you might just find yourself enjoying the puzzle even more!