Crossword puzzles are a classic pastime for many, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of filling in the last word to complete a puzzle. But sometimes, certain clues can stump even the most seasoned puzzlers. One type of clue that can be particularly challenging is the movable joint clue. These clues require the solver to think outside the box and come up with a word that can be split into two separate words, where one part of the word is separated by a movable joint, such as "shoulder" or "hip". In this article, we'll explore some strategies for cracking these tricky clues and filling in the puzzle with ease.
1. Look for Clues in the Clue
Oftentimes, the clue itself can give you a hint that it's a movable joint clue. Look for words like "hinge", "pivot", or "rotate". These words are often associated with joints in the human body, and can indicate that the answer is a word that can be split into two separate words.
2. Check for Plurals
If the clue is in the plural form, it's a good sign that the answer is a word that can be split into two separate words. For example, if the clue is "Knees", the answer is likely to be "knee pads" or "knee socks".
3. Think Outside the Box
Don't be afraid to think creatively when it comes to movable joint clues. The answer doesn't always have to be a body part - it could be a piece of furniture or a tool that has a joint. For example, if the clue is "Drawer part", the answer could be "drawer knob" or "drawer slide".
4. Use Crossword Solving Tools
If you're still stumped on a movable joint clue, don't be afraid to use some crossword solving tools to help you out. There are many websites and apps available that can help you find possible answers based on the length of the word and any letters you may have already filled in. Some popular crossword solving tools include Crossword Solver, OneLook, and The Crossword Solver.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Like any skill, the key to getting better at solving movable joint crossword clues is practice. The more puzzles you solve, the more familiar you'll become with common clue types and patterns. Before you know it, you'll be cracking these clues with ease!
Reference:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/crosswords/daily-puzzle-2020-04-04.html
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/movable%20joint
- https://www.crosswordsolver.org/
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only. The actual images used in the published crossword puzzles may be different from those shown here.
