wake up calls nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "wake up calls" from the New York Times crossword, you've come to the right place. We provide the most likely answers and clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "wake up calls nyt crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ALARMS: Devices or signals designed to wake someone up at a specific time. This is a very common and direct answer for "wake up calls".
9 Letters
REVEILLES: A bugle or drum signal sounded especially in the military to wake personnel in the morning. This French-derived word is a more challenging but possible answer for this clue in advanced puzzles.
More About "wake up calls nyt crossword"
The clue "wake up calls" often appears in crosswords, and its meaning can sometimes extend beyond the literal sound of an alarm. While ALARMS is the most straightforward and frequently seen solution, experienced crossword solvers know that clues can have multiple layers of meaning. A "wake up call" can also be a figurative event – a shocking realization, a warning, or something that forces one to confront reality.
In the context of the New York Times crossword, the clue's difficulty level might hint at whether a common answer like ALARMS is expected, or if a more obscure or figurative solution is required. For instance, a clue might refer to a political scandal as a "wake up call" for voters, suggesting an answer that denotes a warning or a sudden, impactful event rather than a physical device.
Always consider the puzzle's theme, other solved letters, and the specific wording of the clue. The plural form "calls" is crucial here, as it dictates that the answer must also be plural (e.g., ALARMS, REVEILLES).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: Pay attention to singular/plural forms, tenses, and capitalization. "Wake up call" (singular) would imply a different answer than "wake up calls" (plural).
- Consider Alternative Meanings: Crossword constructors love double meanings. Could "wake up calls" refer to a metaphorical awakening, a warning, or an urgent summons, rather than just an physical alarm?
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use them as a guide. They can quickly eliminate incorrect possibilities and confirm the correct answer.
- Think Beyond English: Especially in NYT puzzles, foreign words (like REVEILLES) or Latin phrases occasionally appear. If a common English word doesn't fit, consider international options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "wake up calls" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'wake up calls' typically refers to something that rouses someone from sleep or a state of unawareness. While it can literally mean an alarm clock's sound, it might also figuratively point to a sudden realization, an urgent warning, or a significant event that brings about awareness.
Are NYT crossword clues always literal?
No, New York Times crossword clues are renowned for their cleverness and often employ wordplay, puns, and double meanings. Clues can be literal, figurative, involve abbreviations, foreign words, specific cultural references, or even pop culture. Always consider multiple interpretations.
How can I find more solutions for NYT crosswords?
To find more solutions, you can utilize specialized crossword helper websites like Answercrossword.com, use online dictionaries and thesauruses to brainstorm synonyms, or pay close attention to the nuances of the clue itself, such as plurals, tenses, or abbreviations that might hint at the answer's form.