party line wsj crossword clue

Sandra Almird

2 min read

·

02-01-2025

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The Wall Street Journal crossword, known for its challenging clues, sometimes throws in a curveball that requires more than just vocabulary knowledge. Take, for example, the clue "Party Line." While seemingly straightforward, it can represent multiple answers depending on the context. Let's explore this, drawing on insights from crosswordfiend.com (While I cannot directly quote specific user questions and answers from crosswordfiend due to copyright restrictions, I will analyze the general approaches to solving clues like "Party Line.")

Understanding the Double Meaning

The beauty (and difficulty!) of crossword clues like "Party Line" lies in their ambiguity. The clue plays on two distinct meanings:

1. Political Ideology: In this sense, "Party Line" refers to the official doctrines or policies of a political party. A solver might expect an answer like "PLATFORM" or "MANIFESTO". This is a more literal interpretation.

2. Shared Telephone Line: Historically, a "party line" was a telephone line shared by multiple households. This usage is becoming less common but remains relevant for older solvers or those with a strong historical context. In this case, the answer could be something like "SHARED" or even a more cryptic answer depending on the word length and cross letters.

Solving Strategies from Crosswordfiend's Approach (Inferred):

Based on the general strategies employed on crosswordfiend for ambiguous clues, successful solvers likely employ the following techniques:

• Considering Cross Letters: Pay close attention to the intersecting words. These letters significantly restrict the possibilities. If the intersecting words suggest a political context (e.g., "CONSERVATIVE" or "LIBERAL"), then the "political ideology" meaning is more likely. Conversely, if the crossword theme leans towards technology or historical communication, the "shared telephone line" definition gains prominence.

• Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is crucial. "PLATFORM" has eight letters, while "SHARED" has six. This immediately eliminates possibilities.

• Theme Awareness: Crosswords often have themes. If the puzzle's theme is about politics, the "political ideology" meaning is far more probable. Similarly, if the theme revolves around historical communication or technology, the "shared telephone line" interpretation becomes favored.

• Trial and Error (Educated Guessing): Don't be afraid to test out possibilities based on your initial guesses and the cross letters. If a word doesn't fit, eliminate it and try another.

Examples and Further Exploration:

Let's create hypothetical scenarios:

• Scenario 1 (Political): If the clue "Party Line" intersects with a clue that hints at political campaigning, and the answer length is nine letters, "DOCTRINE" might be a good guess.

• Scenario 2 (Technological): If the clue intersects with words related to old technologies or communication, and the answer length is five letters, "LINES" might be a fitting answer referring to the multiple lines shared on a party line.

Beyond the Crossword:

Understanding the different meanings of "Party Line" extends beyond crossword puzzles. It's a great example of how a single phrase can carry multiple interpretations depending on context. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and considering all possible meanings before arriving at a solution.

By employing these strategies and considering the context within the crossword, you can successfully solve even the most ambiguous clues, like "Party Line," and become a crossword champion. Remember to always consult your crossword dictionaries and thesauruses when necessary, and enjoy the challenge!