one of a quintet wsj crossword clue

Sandra Almird

3 min read

·

02-01-2025

12

0

Share

The cryptic clue "One of a quintet" frequently appears in crossword puzzles, including those from the Wall Street Journal. While seemingly straightforward, understanding its nuances can significantly improve your crossword-solving skills. This article delves into the meaning, potential answers, and strategic approaches to tackling this type of clue. We'll also explore similar clues and provide examples to solidify your understanding. Information used here is inspired by and builds upon the collective knowledge shared within the crosswordfiend community. All credit for the foundational clues goes to the contributing solvers and editors of crosswordfiend.

Understanding the Clue:

The clue "One of a quintet" directly refers to a member of a group of five. The simplicity, however, is deceptive. The solver needs to determine what kind of quintet is being referred to. This depends heavily on the surrounding clues and the overall theme of the crossword.

Possible Answers and Their Context:

The answer to "One of a quintet" is rarely a simple number like "FIVE" or "ONE". Instead, it typically represents one element within a larger group of five. Here are some examples and the reasoning behind them:

• Musical Instrument: If the crossword has a musical theme, the answer might be a specific instrument from a string quintet (e.g., VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, etc.).

• Vocalist: In a crossword focused on musical groups, it could refer to one of five singers in a vocal quintet (e.g., SOPRANO, ALTO, TENOR, etc.).

• Character: If the puzzle centers around a fictional story with five main characters, the answer could be the name of one of those characters (e.g., the clue might be more descriptive: "One of a quintet of mischievous fairies," leading to an answer like TINKERBELL—assuming Tinkerbell is part of a group of five in the specific context of the crossword).

• Abstract Concept: While less common, it could refer to one of five abstract concepts, such as the five senses (e.g., SIGHT, HEARING, etc.) – though this requires strong contextual clues.

Strategic Approaches:

1. Look for Patterns: Examine the crossword for themes or repeated elements that might suggest the type of quintet being referenced. Are there other music-related clues? Fictional characters?

2. Consider Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is crucial. The available squares in the grid will immediately eliminate many possibilities.

3. Cross-referencing: Use the intersecting letters provided by already solved clues. Even a single letter can dramatically narrow down the possibilities.

4. Don't Assume Simplicity: Remember that the answer is unlikely to be a simple word like "ONE" or "FIFTH." The clue is designed to be a little more challenging.

Expanding Your Knowledge: Similar Clues and Variations:

• "One of a quartet": This follows a similar logic, but the answer refers to one member of a group of four.

• "Part of a trio": This would require the solver to identify a member of a group of three.

• Numerical Clues: Clues that incorporate numbers (e.g., "Fifth member of the group") can also indicate a position within a larger set.

Example:

Let's say you encounter the clue "One of a quintet" in a crossword with a strong literary theme. The intersecting letters are "-ELLA". Considering the possible answers and the limited number of letters, "CINDERELLA" might immediately come to mind (assuming the puzzle has some kind of fairy tale theme and Cinderella is, hypothetically, part of a five-person group within that context).

By understanding the nuances of clues like "One of a quintet," and by strategically using cross-referencing and identifying contextual clues, you can enhance your crossword-solving skills and tackle even the most challenging puzzles with confidence. Remember, the key is to consider the overall crossword theme and to think beyond the surface meaning of the clue.