Ever stared blankly at the New York Times crossword puzzle, feeling utterly stumped? We’ve all been there! Sometimes the simplest clues can be the most maddening. You know the feeling that little spark of recognition that something should be obvious, but just isn’t clicking yet.
One type of clue that often trips people up involves common phrases or sayings, where a small, seemingly insignificant word holds the key. Think about those short words, like “is,” “are,” “was,” or “like.” Often, these words aren’t just filler; they’re essential components of the answer.