relax ship rules wsj crossword

Sandra Almird

2 min read

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02-01-2025

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Decoding "Relax Ship Rules" in WSJ Crosswords: A Deep Dive

Crossword puzzles, especially those from reputable sources like the Wall Street Journal, often incorporate clever wordplay and cryptic clues. The clue "Relax ship rules" recently appeared in a WSJ crossword, leaving some solvers scratching their heads. Let's unravel this clue, drawing from the expertise of crosswordfiend (while giving full attribution, of course) and adding our own analysis for a deeper understanding.

The Clue and its Solution:

The clue, "Relax ship rules," points to the answer UNWIND. This solution expertly plays on two meanings:

1. "Relax": This is the straightforward, direct meaning, indicating a state of calmness or rest.

2. "Ship rules": This cleverly uses wordplay. The phrase "ship rules" can be interpreted as a rearrangement ("unwind") of the letters within the word "rules".

Why this Clue Works:

The brilliance of this clue lies in its dual meaning and conciseness. It's a perfect example of a cryptic crossword clue: it presents a seemingly unrelated surface meaning ("ship rules") that cleverly disguises the actual answer ("unwind"). This adds layers of challenge and satisfaction for the solver.

Crossword Construction Techniques Illustrated:

This clue beautifully demonstrates several common techniques used in cryptic crossword construction:

• Anagram: The clue employs an anagram – the letters of "rules" are rearranged to form "unwind." This is a classic cryptic clue technique. Many cryptic clues involve anagrams, where the solver needs to identify and rearrange the letters within a given word or phrase to form the solution.

• Double Meaning: The clue utilizes a double meaning of "relax," both literally and metaphorically. This is another hallmark of cryptic clues – often the clue itself has a meaning that is entirely separate from its solution.

Expanding on the Concept:

Understanding how this clue works can help you solve similar cryptic clues. Consider these examples:

• Clue: "Disorganized party" (Solution: PARTY) – This could be an anagram clue depending on the letters available around it in the crossword grid.
• Clue: "Heavy metal" (Solution: LEAD) – This plays on double meaning (a heavy metal and the chemical element).

Beyond the Clue:

The clue’s effectiveness also lies in its elegance. It is short, memorable, and fits seamlessly within the context of a crossword puzzle. Longer, more complex clues might be less satisfying to solve.

In Conclusion:

The "Relax ship rules" clue is a prime example of the art of cryptic crossword construction. By understanding the techniques used—anagram and double meaning—we can not only solve this specific clue but also improve our overall ability to tackle more challenging cryptic crosswords in the future. Remember to look for wordplay and hidden meanings within the surface reading of the clue. Practice makes perfect, so keep solving and enjoy the challenge!