car puller in san francisco nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the New York Times crossword and got stuck on "car puller in san francisco nyt crossword", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible answers, organized by length, along with explanations to help you understand the clue better.
Solutions for "car puller in san francisco nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GRIP: Refers to the mechanism on the cable car that physically grasps the moving underground cable, thus 'pulling' the car.
7 Letters
GRIPMAN: The operator of a San Francisco cable car, who controls the 'grip' mechanism that attaches the car to the moving cable, effectively 'pulling' the car along its route.
8 Letters
CABLECAR: The iconic vehicle itself in San Francisco, famous for being pulled by an underground moving steel cable system.
More About "car puller in san francisco nyt crossword"
The clue "car puller in San Francisco" almost certainly points to the city's world-famous cable cars. These unique vehicles are a historic landmark and a key part of the city's public transportation system. Unlike conventional trams or trains that use an onboard engine, cable cars are propelled by continuously moving cables embedded in the street, which they "grip" onto to move.
The system was invented in 1873 by Andrew Smith Hallidie and revolutionized public transport in San Francisco, enabling vehicles to ascend and descend the city's famously steep hills with ease. The term "car puller" succinctly describes the function of the cable or the overall cable car system itself, as well as the role of the operator, the gripman, who manages the car's connection to the cable.
Understanding this historical and mechanical context is often key to solving such crosswords, especially those from the New York Times, which frequently incorporates cultural and geographical knowledge into its clues. Knowing about San Francisco's cable cars helps you connect the clue to its most likely answers like CABLECAR, GRIPMAN, or GRIP.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the geographical, historical, or cultural context hinted at in the clue. "San Francisco" immediately narrows down the possibilities to unique local elements like cable cars.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: For a clue like "car puller", think about not just the vehicle, but also the mechanism (grip, cable) and the person operating it (gripman). Crossword setters love these layers of meaning.
- Check for NYT Specifics: The New York Times crossword often features current events, pop culture, and specific trivia. If a clue feels too niche, it might be a subtle nod to a recent news item or a well-known fact.
- Use Letter Counts Strategically: If you have some letters filled in from crossing words, use the exact letter count to narrow down your options from the start. This is crucial for efficient solving.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a car puller in San Francisco?
In the context of San Francisco and its iconic public transport, a 'car puller' primarily refers to the CABLECAR itself, which is pulled by an underground moving cable. It can also refer to the GRIPMAN, the operator who controls the mechanism, or the GRIP, the mechanical device that connects to the cable.
How do cable cars work in San Francisco?
San Francisco cable cars operate by gripping a continuously moving steel cable embedded beneath the street. A powerful engine at a central powerhouse pulls this cable. The GRIPMAN uses a lever to clamp the car's 'grip' onto the cable, propelling the car forward, and releases it to stop.
Are San Francisco cable cars still used today?
Yes, San Francisco cable cars are still in operation and are a major tourist attraction and a historic part of the city's public transport system. They run on three lines, offering unique views and a classic San Francisco experience, carrying both locals and visitors alike.