fine cotton thread wsj crossword

Flare Clodier Vamd

2 min read

·

02-01-2025

9

0

Share

The Wall Street Journal crossword puzzles are known for their challenging clues and sophisticated wordplay. One clue that often stumps solvers is related to a fine cotton thread. While the answer might seem straightforward, understanding the nuances helps improve your crossword-solving skills. This article will explore the answer to this clue, drawing on information from CrosswordFiend (with proper attribution), and offering additional context and examples.

The Clue: Many WSJ crosswords have used variations of the clue "Fine cotton thread" at some point. While the exact wording varies, the answer consistently points to the same solution.

The Answer: The answer, according to various WSJ crosswords analyzed from CrosswordFiend, is SEWN.

Why "SEWN"?

The apparent disconnect between "fine cotton thread" and "SEWN" lies in the indirect nature of crossword clues. The clue isn't directly asking for the name of the thread itself (like "silk" or "linen"). Instead, it's hinting at the result of using fine cotton thread – the act of sewing something together. "SEWN" represents the past participle of the verb "to sew," indicating something has been stitched together, likely with fine cotton thread.

Let's illustrate with examples:

Imagine you're mending a delicate garment. You'd carefully select fine cotton thread to create nearly invisible stitches. The end result? The garment is sewn. The clue cleverly leverages this association.

Expanding on the Clue's Ambiguity:

Crossword clues frequently rely on wordplay and lateral thinking. The clue "Fine cotton thread" is a prime example of this. It doesn't adhere to a simple definition, forcing solvers to think creatively and consider different interpretations of "fine cotton thread" beyond its literal meaning.

Improving your Crossword Skills:

Understanding clues like "Fine cotton thread" requires:

• Considering multiple meanings: Look beyond the obvious definition of each word in the clue.
• Thinking laterally: Consider the implication and outcome rather than just the direct meaning.
• Understanding parts of speech: Recognizing that "SEWN" is a past participle is crucial to solving this type of clue.
• Building your vocabulary: A strong vocabulary helps in deciphering subtle wordplay.

Beyond the WSJ:

This type of indirect cluing isn't exclusive to the WSJ. You'll encounter similar techniques in many other crossword publications. Mastering this type of clue significantly improves your overall crossword-solving proficiency.

In Conclusion:

While the answer to the clue "Fine cotton thread" appears deceptively simple, its solution, "SEWN," demonstrates the sophisticated wordplay often found in WSJ crosswords. By understanding the underlying principles of these clues, you can significantly enhance your crossword-solving abilities and conquer even the most challenging puzzles. Remember to always explore the implied meaning and consider the broader context of the clue. Thanks to the resources at CrosswordFiend, we've dissected this common clue, offering a clearer understanding of its solution and the tactics employed in these clever puzzles.