writing cliche nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the New York Times crossword and stumbled upon "writing cliche," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the potential answers and their explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "writing cliche nyt crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TROPE: A common or overused literary device or theme. Often functions as a cliché when employed without originality.
6 Letters
TRUISM: A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting; a platitude.
9 Letters
PLATITUDE: A trite, unoriginal, or meaningless statement, often delivered as if it were profound. A classic writing cliché.
HACKNEYED: (Adjective) A term used to describe a phrase or idea that lacks originality due to overuse; synonym for cliché.
More About "writing cliche nyt crossword"
The term "writing cliché" in a crossword context refers to an expression, idea, or literary device that has become so overused that it has lost its original impact or freshness. For crossword constructors, these are goldmines because their widespread familiarity makes them excellent candidates for clues and answers. While in creative writing, clichés are generally avoided for their lack of originality, in crosswords, their commonality is precisely what makes them solvable.
Identifying a writing cliché often requires recognizing a phrase or concept that is universally understood but might feel uninspired. From "as old as time" to "think outside the box," these expressions form a significant part of our everyday language. The New York Times crossword often employs such clues to test your grasp of common idioms and linguistic conventions, encouraging solvers to recall phrases that are almost second nature.
Understanding the nuances of "writing cliché" can not only help you solve the current puzzle but also enhance your general knowledge of language and its evolution. It's a testament to how language adapts, with once-vivid expressions eventually becoming commonplace, much like a well-worn path.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Pay close attention to the exact wording of the clue. Sometimes, the clue might hint at a specific type of cliché (e.g., "literary cliché," "tired phrase," or a more general "overused saying").
- Leverage Letter Count: If you have some letters already filled in, use the letter count provided by the puzzle. Common shorter answers like TROPE, TRUISM, or ADAGE are frequent, while longer ones like PLATITUDE or HACKNEYED also appear.
- Think Beyond Phrases: A "writing cliché" might not just be a common phrase, but also a single word that describes something unoriginal or overused, as seen with answers like TRUISM or HACKNEYED. Consider adjectives and nouns as possibilities.
- Consider NYT Style: The New York Times crossword often favors precise, elegant, and sometimes ironic answers. If a cliché feels too obvious, there might be a more sophisticated synonym or related term that fits.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "writing cliché" in a crossword context?
In crosswords, a "writing cliché" typically refers to an overused phrase, expression, or literary device that has lost its original impact due to repetition. Crossword constructors often use them because they are widely recognized, making them familiar targets for solvers.
Why do crosswords use clichés as clues?
Clichés are common knowledge and are ingrained in our language, making them excellent candidates for crossword answers. They test a solver's familiarity with common expressions and their ability to recognize them from a concise clue, often leading to satisfying 'aha!' moments.
Are all writing clichés negative?
While 'cliché' often carries a negative connotation of being unoriginal or stale, some are simply common idioms or proverbs that have stood the test of time. In crosswords, the focus is usually on their widespread recognition rather than a judgment of their literary merit, though a clue might hint at their 'tiredness'.