dark red color wsj crossword

Sandra Almird

2 min read

·

02-01-2025

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The Wall Street Journal crossword, known for its challenging clues, often uses evocative language to describe seemingly simple things. A recent clue, focusing on a dark red color, highlights this. While the answer itself might be straightforward for experienced solvers, understanding why a particular answer fits the clue adds depth to the crossword experience. Let's explore this, drawing on insights from crosswordfiend.com (with proper attribution, of course). We'll avoid directly quoting specific clues from crosswordfiend to avoid copyright infringement, but we'll address the common crossword answer and variations.

The Most Common Answer: MAROON

Maroon is a dark red-brown color, often described as a deep, rich shade. Its etymology is interesting, stemming from the French word for "military." Historically, maroon was associated with the British military uniforms and, later, with university colors, solidifying its place in the lexicon of color names.

• Why Maroon Fits: Crossword clues often play on nuances of meaning. While "dark red" might seem simple, the clue's wording may subtly guide solvers towards a more specific shade within the red spectrum. Maroon’s dark, brownish hue distinguishes it from simply “red” or “crimson.”

• Practical Examples: Think of a maroon car, a maroon sweater, or maroon colored leather boots. The deep, slightly muted tone sets it apart. This subtle difference in shade is precisely what crossword constructors often exploit.

Alternative Answers (and Why They Might Appear):

While Maroon is the most likely answer for a “dark red color” clue, other possibilities exist, depending on the clue's construction and surrounding words. These might include:

• BURGUNDY: A deep, reddish-purple, Burgundy often appears in wine descriptions but can also be used to describe clothing and other items. The key difference between Burgundy and Maroon lies in the presence of purple undertones.

• CRIMSON: This color is a brighter, more intense red than Maroon. However, the clue's description of "dark" might rule this out. Context is key!

• RUBY: Although typically referencing the gemstone, "ruby" can describe a very rich, deep red color. The clue would need to provide other hints to guide solvers towards this less common answer.

Improving Your Crossword Skills:

Solving these color-related clues requires more than just memorizing color names. Consider these strategies:

• Expand Your Color Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with shades and hues beyond basic colors.
• Context is King: Pay close attention to the rest of the crossword puzzle. Crossword clues rarely exist in isolation.
• Embrace Nuance: Understand the subtle differences between similar words; the choice of "dark red" rather than simply "red" isn't accidental.

By understanding the nuances of color descriptions and using strategic thinking, even seemingly simple clues like "dark red color" become conquerable challenges in the world of WSJ crosswords. Remember, the pleasure of solving a crossword lies not just in finding the right answer, but in understanding the constructor's clever wordplay.