what it's not in a saying nyt crossword clue

Natashya

2 min read

·

26-12-2024

1

0

Share

What It's Not in a Saying: Unraveling NYT Crossword Clues

The New York Times crossword puzzle is renowned for its challenging clues, often employing wordplay and misdirection. One particularly tricky clue type involves phrases where the answer is something absent from a well-known saying. This article delves into the strategies for solving these "what it's not" clues, offering examples and techniques to enhance your crossword prowess.

Understanding the Clue Structure

The core of these clues lies in the negation. Instead of directly stating a phrase, the clue presents a familiar saying and asks what element is missing. For instance, a clue might read: "What it's not in 'Make hay while the sun shines'." The answer, in this case, would be something like RAIN. The clue hinges on the implied absence—rain is not mentioned in the original proverb.

Techniques for Solving "What It's Not" Clues

Several strategies prove useful in cracking these cryptic clues:

1. Familiarize Yourself with Common Sayings: A strong foundation in proverbs, idioms, and clichés is crucial. The more sayings you recognize, the easier it will be to spot the altered phrase in the clue. Regularly reading and engaging with different types of literature can significantly broaden your vocabulary and knowledge of common phrases.

2. Identify the Base Phrase: Carefully examine the clue. What established saying or expression does it allude to? Sometimes, the clue might slightly modify the original phrasing, requiring keen attention to detail.

3. Consider the Missing Element: Once you've pinpointed the base phrase, think about what element is notably absent. What word or concept would logically complete the saying or stand in stark contrast to its meaning? This is where lateral thinking is critical; the answer might be something unexpected.

4. Look for Contrasts: The missing element often represents an opposing concept or situation. If the clue refers to a positive saying, the answer might be a negative counterpart. This juxtaposition enhances the clue's complexity.

5. Analyze Word Length: Pay attention to the number of letters required in the answer. This information can significantly narrow down possibilities, aiding in your deduction process.

Examples of "What It's Not" Clues

Let's examine some examples to illustrate the techniques discussed above:

• Clue: What it's not in "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"? Answer: CAGE (The bird is free, not caged).

• Clue: What it's not in "Early to bed, early to rise"? Answer: LAZY (The saying implies diligence, not laziness).

• Clue: What it's not in "All that glitters is not gold"? Answer: SILVER (While not explicitly stated, silver often implies the opposite of gold).

• Clue: What it's not in "Look before you leap"? Answer: RECKLESS (The saying advises caution, not recklessness).

Mastering the "What It's Not" Technique

Solving "what it's not" clues requires a combination of linguistic awareness, problem-solving skills, and a dash of lateral thinking. By practicing these techniques and expanding your familiarity with common sayings, you'll significantly improve your ability to decipher these challenging yet rewarding crossword puzzle clues. Remember, the key is to dissect the clue, identify the underlying saying, and focus on the implied absence. With practice, you will become a more proficient solver, and even the most difficult clues will start to yield their secrets.