Cracking informal NYT crossword clues can be a fun and challenging task for word game lovers. Informal clues often make it challenging to guess the correct answer, as they are usually worded ambiguously.
To crack the informal clues with ease, it is essential to follow some basic strategies. In this article, we will give you some valuable tips on how to master informal crossword clues, so you can solve them quickly and efficiently.
Strategy 1: Think Laterally
Lateral thinking is an effective method to crack informal crossword clues. Instead of trying to guess the meaning of the clue straight away, think laterally and consider alternative interpretations.
For example, if the clue is “Bird’s beak,” the answer, in this case, could be “shoebill,” “ibis,” or “toucan.” By thinking outside the box, you could find the correct answer even in the most challenging clues.
Strategy 2: Fill-In-The-Gaps
Sometimes, informal clues can be linked, meaning that the answer to one clue gives you a hint about the following one. If you can’t guess the answer right away, attend to the words that are already in the crossword grid.
For instance, if a partially filled crossword grid contains the letter ‘O’ in a vertical line, and the clue reads “Potato State”, the answer must be “IDAHO.” Notice that the word “potato” has 5 letters, and “IDAHO” also fits the crossword pattern, so you can easily fill in the gaps without any additional research.
Strategy 3: Use Online Resources
The internet is an excellent place to find useful information and resources to help you crack informal crossword clues. There are many dedicated crossword puzzle websites that offer tools and resources to help you solve crosswords effortlessly.
One valuable resource is ‘OneLook,’ a website that helps you find words based on clues. It provides a massive database of words and phrases, and you can search them based on different parameters, like the number of letters and specific phrases.
Strategy 4: Employ Contextual Clues
Contextual Clues are one of the most effective strategies for cracking informal crossword clues. By understanding the context of the clue, you can create a mental image about the answer to the crossword.
For instance, the clue “pizza topping” may seem too broad for you, but if the preceding clues are “red sauce,” “dough,” and “cheese,” the answer must be “Pepperoni.”
Conclusion
Informal crossword clues can be intimidating, but with these useful strategies, you can solve them easily. Remember to think laterally, fill in the gaps, use online resources, and employ contextual clues to help you crack informal crossword clues quickly and efficiently. Happy Crosswording!
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