should be pointing:"

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05-03-2025

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Crossword puzzles rely heavily on clever wordplay and cryptic clues. One common type of clue utilizes directionality, often indicated by phrases like "should be pointing." This article will explore this clue type, drawing upon examples and explanations from CrosswordFiend (with proper attribution), while adding deeper analysis and practical examples to enhance understanding.

Understanding "Should Be Pointing" Clues

These clues typically involve words or phrases that, in their standard form, don't inherently point in a particular direction. However, the clue hints that a specific alteration, usually a reversal, is needed to arrive at the correct answer. The phrasing "should be pointing" implies that the answer, once solved, represents a direction or orientation.

Examples from CrosswordFiend (with analysis):

While I cannot directly access and quote specific clues from CrosswordFiend's website in real-time, I will construct illustrative examples mirroring their style and difficulty:

Example 1:

• Clue: "Should be pointing: A reversal of a small boat" (5 letters)
• Answer: CANOE
• Explanation: The clue asks for a word that implies direction, but only when reversed. "EONAC," the reversal of "CANOE," is not a standard word in English. However, "CANOE," a small boat, when read normally, implicitly points to something (like a destination). The clue plays on this duality.

Example 2 (More Challenging):

• Clue: "Should be pointing: A mischievous act reversed, perhaps (10 letters)"
• Answer: PRANKSTERS
• Explanation: This clue involves a compound word. "PRANKSTERS" reversed ("SRETSKNARP") is not a common word. The clue uses the word "perhaps" to indicate that the direct answer isn't always the obvious one, and that the correct answer is the 'mischievous act' (PRANK) plus a word that makes it a collective (STERS).

Adding Value Beyond CrosswordFiend:

Here’s where we go beyond simple clue-answer pairs:

• Identifying Clue Markers: Learn to recognize phrases that signal directionality. Besides "should be pointing," look for clues mentioning "reversed," "backward," "upside down," "going back," "from the other end," etc. This builds your vocabulary of clue indicators.

• Understanding Wordplay Structures: Crossword clues often build on compound words, common abbreviations or hidden words. Understanding these structures is key to solving more complex puzzles. In Example 2, recognizing "PRANK" and adding "STERS" to make it a plural form of the word are needed to fully grasp the answer.

• Practicing with Different Clue Types: The more you practice with various crossword clue types, the better you'll get at recognizing patterns and applying the correct solving strategies. Websites like CrosswordFiend offer a vast library of puzzles to hone your skills.

• Consider Context: The surrounding clues and answers often offer valuable hints. If you're stuck, look at the intersecting letters and words.

Conclusion:

"Should be pointing" clues add a layer of complexity and ingenuity to crossword puzzles. By understanding the underlying wordplay and practicing regularly, you'll become more adept at deciphering these directional enigmas. Remember to always pay attention to the clue's wording, look for wordplay and directional hints, and utilize the surrounding context to aid in solving these challenging, yet rewarding, puzzles. Happy puzzling!