goes down the drain perhaps nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "goes down the drain perhaps" from the NYT crossword, you've landed on the most comprehensive resource. Below, you'll find all possible answers, complete with explanations to help you understand the nuance of this classic clue.
Solutions for "goes down the drain perhaps" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SINKS: This answer perfectly captures the figurative sense of 'goes down the drain' when something declines or fails, like a business or an idea. It can also literally describe something descending.
6 Letters
WASTES: When something 'goes down the drain,' it's often implying that it is being squandered or used inefficiently, making WASTES a strong fit for this clue.
7 Letters
FLUSHES: This answer provides a very literal interpretation of 'goes down the drain,' as in water FLUSHES away something through a plumbing system.
More About "goes down the drain perhaps"
"Goes down the drain perhaps" is a wonderfully illustrative crossword clue that plays on both literal and idiomatic meanings. In its most straightforward sense, something literally going down a drain means it's being discarded, washed away, or disappearing. However, the addition of "perhaps" signals that the clue is likely leaning towards a more figurative interpretation, common in sophisticated puzzles like the NYT crossword.
Figuratively, "going down the drain" is an idiom meaning to be wasted, to fail, or to deteriorate beyond recovery. For instance, time, money, or effort can "go down the drain" if they are squandered or lead to nothing. This duality is what makes the clue tricky and rewarding once solved. Crossword constructors love these types of phrases because they allow for multiple potential answers, depending on the length and the context provided by intersecting words.
Understanding this double meaning is key to cracking many crossword clues. Always consider both the direct and metaphorical implications of a phrase, especially when modifier words like "perhaps," "maybe," or "could be" are present. This approach often reveals the elegant solution the setter had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Figurative Language: When a clue uses an idiom or phrase that has a common figurative meaning (like "goes down the drain"), always consider that interpretation first, especially with words like "perhaps."
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words have homonyms or multiple definitions. If a literal answer doesn't fit, think about other ways the words in the clue could be interpreted.
- Pay Attention to Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is your most reliable guide. If you have several possible answers, the letter count will quickly narrow down your options.
- Look for Context Clues: The surrounding filled-in letters from intersecting words are invaluable. They can confirm a suspicion or rule out an answer that seemed plausible.
- Check for Tense and Plurality: Ensure your answer matches the tense (e.g., past, present) or number (singular, plural) implied by the clue. For "goes down," the answer should typically be a verb in the third person singular present tense.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'goes down the drain' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'goes down the drain' can have both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to something being washed away or discarded. Figuratively, it often means something is being wasted, failing, or becoming useless. The 'perhaps' in the clue suggests it's not strictly literal.
How often do NYT crosswords use idiomatic expressions like this?
NYT crosswords frequently use idiomatic expressions, puns, and wordplay. Clues like 'goes down the drain' are common and test a solver's ability to think beyond the literal definition, considering common phrases and their implied meanings. This adds to the challenge and fun of the puzzle.
What strategies help solve clues with 'perhaps' or 'maybe'?
When a crossword clue includes words like 'perhaps,' 'maybe,' 'sometimes,' or 'could be,' it's a strong indicator that the answer might be an indirect, figurative, or less common meaning of the phrase. Consider synonyms for the idiomatic expression, or words that literally describe the action but with a twist. Looking at the letter count and surrounding filled letters is crucial for narrowing down possibilities.