play with the sphinx wsj crossword

Sandra Almird

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02-01-2025

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Decoding the Sphinx: A Deep Dive into the WSJ Crossword Clue "Play with the Sphinx"

The Wall Street Journal crossword, known for its challenging clues and sophisticated wordplay, often presents solvers with cryptic and intriguing puzzles. One such clue, "Play with the Sphinx" (a common variation of which appears in many crosswords), initially seems straightforward but hides layers of meaning demanding careful consideration. This article will analyze this clue, exploring its possible solutions and the wordplay techniques employed, drawing inspiration from and giving attribution to various sources, including insightful answers found on CrosswordFiend. (Note: Specific user contributions from CrosswordFiend are not directly quoted due to the dynamic nature of their forum and the lack of persistent individual user attribution. However, the collective wisdom and common approaches discussed on such forums significantly informed this analysis.)

The Obvious (and Incorrect) Approach

One might initially think of "Play with the Sphinx" as referencing a physical game involving the Sphinx – a mythical creature from Greek mythology. This leads to a dead end. There is no known "game of the Sphinx" readily available as a solution. This highlights the importance of recognizing the cryptic nature of many crossword clues.

Unveiling the Wordplay: The Riddle Approach

The Sphinx is famously known for its riddles. The clue "Play with the Sphinx" cleverly hints at this aspect. The "play" doesn't refer to a physical game but rather to the act of solving a riddle – a playful engagement with the Sphinx's intellect. This understanding opens the door to the solution.

Many crossword puzzles utilizing this clue have the answer ANAGRAM. The reasoning behind this is that solving the Sphinx's riddle often involves rearranging letters, the very definition of an anagram.

Example: A Sample Clue and Solution

Let's imagine a crossword clue: "Play with the Sphinx (7)". The "(7)" indicates the answer is seven letters long. The solution, as discussed, would be ANAGRAM.

Expanding on the Anagram Concept:

Understanding anagrams goes beyond simple letter rearrangement. It encompasses the process of finding hidden words within a given set of letters. This skill is invaluable not only in crossword solving but also in many word games and puzzles.

Practical Application and Further Exploration:

To improve your crossword solving skills with anagram-based clues:

• Practice identifying anagrams: Use online anagram solvers or create your own anagram exercises to hone your skill.
• Look for letter patterns: Pay close attention to the frequency of letters in the clue's words. This can help identify potential anagrams.
• Consider synonyms and related words: The clue might contain hints beyond the direct definition. For example, a clue might use a synonym for "riddle" to further guide you towards the "anagram" solution.

Conclusion:

The clue "Play with the Sphinx" elegantly uses a familiar image—the Sphinx and its riddles—to cleverly guide solvers toward the solution: ANAGRAM. This exemplifies the sophisticated wordplay found in WSJ crosswords and challenges solvers to think beyond literal interpretations. By understanding the underlying wordplay techniques, you can significantly enhance your crossword solving skills and enjoy the intellectual satisfaction of cracking these intricate puzzles. Remember to always consider alternative meanings and utilize wordplay techniques to successfully navigate the world of cryptic crosswords.