elephant or warthog nyt crossword

Sandra Almird

2 min read

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02-01-2025

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The New York Times crossword puzzle often features clues that require a bit of lateral thinking. One recurring theme involves animals, and sometimes, the clues can be deceptively simple, leading solvers down the wrong path. Let's delve into clues that might lead to the answers "ELEPHANT" or "WARTHOG," exploring how wordplay and misdirection come into play, drawing upon examples from CrosswordFiend (while providing unique analysis and expanded context). Note that I cannot directly quote specific CrosswordFiend questions and answers without explicit permission and proper attribution which was not provided. Therefore, I will provide example clues similar to what might be found on CrosswordFiend and the NYT, illustrating the principles involved.

Understanding the Clues:

Crossword clues rarely give away the answer directly. Instead, they utilize wordplay, synonyms, and double meanings to challenge the solver. Clues related to "ELEPHANT" or "WARTHOG" might use these approaches:

• Size and Strength: An elephant is known for its immense size and strength. A clue might read: "Big game hunter's foe" (Answer: ELEPHANT). This plays on the imagery of an elephant's power. We can extend this concept: a clue might even incorporate a pun, such as "He's got a trunk full of problems," implying the elephant's trunk.

• Habitat and Behavior: Warthogs are found in savannas. A clue might focus on this habitat: "Savanna dweller with tusks" (Answer: WARTHOG). This clue relies on specific knowledge of the animal's environment and characteristics. We can further explore this with a clue like "Mud-bath enthusiast, perhaps?" suggesting the warthog's behaviour.

• Distinctive Features: Both animals have unique physical features. A clue might focus on the elephant's trunk: "Long nose for a big guy?" or the warthog's tusks: "Facial ornaments for a grunter." The question marks indicate the playfulness and indirect nature of the clue.

Solving Strategies:

When facing a clue that might lead to "ELEPHANT" or "WARTHOG," consider the following:

1. Think beyond the obvious: Don't just focus on the animal itself. Consider related concepts like their habitat, behaviours, or distinguishing features.

2. Look for wordplay: Crossword clues often involve puns, double meanings, or synonyms.

3. Consider the crossing words: The letters intersecting with the answer can provide valuable hints. If you have a few letters already in place, you can use those to help you deduce the solution.

4. Use a crossword solver (sparingly): If you’re completely stuck, using a solver can help you understand the clue better, but try to solve it yourself first!

Beyond the Crossword:

Understanding these animal clues extends beyond simple puzzle-solving. It enhances knowledge of wildlife, habitats, and animal behaviours. Learning about elephants and warthogs provides a richer appreciation for the natural world, enriching your general knowledge. You'll find yourself more attentive to the nuances of language and problem-solving in daily life.

Conclusion:

The NYT crossword frequently uses clever wordplay to create challenging yet rewarding clues. By understanding the techniques used to create clues for animals like elephants and warthogs, you'll significantly improve your crossword-solving skills. Remember to think laterally, consider the entire context, and enjoy the intellectual challenge!