compelling crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your go-to resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue 'compelling crossword clue', along with valuable tips to enhance your solving skills.
Solutions for "compelling crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
CLEVER: Indicates a clue that is ingenious, witty, or well-devised in its wordplay.
TRICKY: Suggests a clue that is challenging, deceptive, but in an interesting and fair way.
8 Letters
ENGAGING: Describes a clue that holds interest and captivates the solver.
8 Letters
GRIPPING: A clue that is intensely interesting, exciting, and hard to put down until solved.
More About "compelling crossword clue"
A crossword clue described as "compelling" is one that stands out for its ingenuity, wordplay, and the satisfying "aha!" moment it delivers upon solution. Unlike merely difficult or obscure clues, a compelling one engages the solver, making the process of deciphering it enjoyable and rewarding. These clues often use misdirection, double meanings, or clever anagrams to lead you down the wrong path before revealing a surprisingly apt answer.
The beauty of a compelling clue lies in its ability to challenge the mind without resorting to unfairness. It balances the need for a definitive solution with an element of playful deception, characteristic of high-quality crossword construction. Recognizing these traits can significantly improve your solving speed and enjoyment, as you learn to anticipate the subtle tricks and elegant simplicity that define truly great clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Grammar: Determine if the clue suggests a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. The answer must match the grammatical form of the clue.
- Look for Wordplay Indicators: Be alert for words that signal anagrams ("mixed up," "confused"), reversals ("back," "up"), or hidden words ("contains," "part of"). Compelling clues often use these subtle cues.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many compelling clues play on the different meanings of words. If a straightforward interpretation doesn't yield an answer, think about synonyms or alternative definitions.
- Use Crossing Letters: Always leverage letters from already solved cross-references. These act as vital constraints, narrowing down the possibilities for your "compelling" answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue compelling?
A compelling crossword clue is often concise, clever, and leads to an 'aha!' moment of sudden insight upon solving. It might involve ingenious wordplay, puns, misdirection, or a cryptic style that challenges the solver in a fair and satisfying way.
How can I identify a compelling cryptic clue?
Compelling cryptic clues often combine a clear definition with a wordplay element (like anagrams, reversals, or hidden words) seamlessly. The best ones are highly misleading until you unravel their ingenious double meaning or construction, making the solution feel earned and brilliant.
Are all challenging clues compelling?
Not necessarily. While compelling clues are often challenging, they also provide a strong sense of satisfaction and delight upon solving due to their ingenious construction and fair play. Simply difficult clues might be poorly constructed, overly obscure, or rely on niche knowledge, lacking that 'aha!' factor that defines a truly compelling clue.