how do these people pull that off wsj crossword

Flare Clodier Vamd

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02-01-2025

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Decoding the "How Do These People Pull That Off?" WSJ Crossword Clue: A Deep Dive

The Wall Street Journal crossword, known for its challenging clues and witty wordplay, often leaves solvers scratching their heads. One such clue, "How do these people pull that off?", frequently appears, demanding a deeper understanding of cryptic clue construction. We'll dissect this clue, drawing inspiration from the expertise found on websites like CrosswordFiend (while giving proper attribution, of course), and adding our own analysis to provide a complete understanding.

Understanding the Clue's Structure:

The clue "How do these people pull that off?" is a cryptic clue, meaning it contains multiple layers of meaning. It doesn't directly ask a question about a method; instead, it's a wordplay puzzle hidden within a seemingly straightforward question. To solve it, you need to break down the phrase and understand its components separately.

Possible Answers and Their Explanations:

The answer to this clue is rarely a single word, but rather a phrase – making it a challenging clue for novice solvers. The exact answer depends on the specific crossword and the other available crossings. However, let's explore how such a phrase would be constructed, referencing common cryptic clue techniques:

• Hidden Word Clue: The answer might be a word or phrase hidden within the clue itself. For instance, "How do THESE PEOPLE pull that off?" could lead to the answer "THESE PEOPLE", if that happens to fit the crossings. This technique relies on the solver's ability to identify a hidden word that fits the clue's other aspects.

• Double Definition Clue: The clue could contain two separate definitions for the answer. One definition would be related to "How do these people..." (e.g., indicating a method or skill), while the other would link to "...pull that off" (e.g., referring to the successful accomplishment). For example, "How do these people pull that off?" might lead to "SLEIGHT OF HAND" where "How do these people..." refers to a method and "...pull that off" refers to a successful magic trick.

• Cryptic Definition Clue: The clue is actually a metaphor or a veiled description of the answer. This kind of clue is particularly abstract. It might require significant lateral thinking.

Adding Value: Beyond the Clue

To further enhance our understanding, let's explore real-world examples that embody the essence of the clue. This allows us to go beyond the simple solution and comprehend the broader concept that the puzzle represents.

Example 1: Innovation in Business

Imagine a startup that develops a groundbreaking technology. The clue "How do these people pull that off?" could reflect the innovative spirit and ingenious methods employed by the startup's team. Their "how" is a combination of creativity, hard work, and strategic decisions. The "pull that off" represents the company's success in the market. This highlights how the clue can capture a broader narrative.

Example 2: Masterful Artwork

Consider a highly skilled artist who creates a breathtaking masterpiece. The question becomes a reflection of their years of training, mastery of technique, and artistic vision. The "how" represents their specific skill set and the "pull that off" represents the remarkable result, the completed artwork.

Conclusion:

The WSJ crossword's "How do these people pull that off?" clue is a testament to the puzzle's complexity and ingenuity. By understanding different cryptic clue types—hidden words, double definitions, and cryptic definitions—and applying lateral thinking, solvers can decipher the meaning and arrive at the correct answer. Furthermore, by considering real-world examples, we can appreciate the deeper meaning and layered interpretations that these clever clues often represent, making the experience more enriching than simply finding the solution. Remember, the key is to break down the clue into its constituent parts, and let your creativity guide you!