Crossword puzzles, those intricate grids of words and clues, have captivated minds for generations. From the casual solver to the seasoned cruciverbalist, the challenge lies in deciphering the often-enigmatic clues and fitting the answers perfectly into their designated spaces. Recently, while exploring the archives of crossword reviews, a particular clue caught our attention: “Doesn’t care either way”. This seemingly simple phrase unlocks the answer “UP TO YOU” in a New York Times crossword puzzle from December 7, 2017, reviewed by Andy on the Crossword Fiend blog. Let’s delve into this clue and the puzzle it inhabited, and explore why even seemingly straightforward phrases can be key to unlocking a crossword grid.
Unpacking “Doesn’t Care Either Way” in the NYT Crossword
In his review of Dan Schoenholz’s New York Times crossword, Andy highlighted this clue at 51a, UP TO YOU [*I don’t care either way]. He noted that this clue initially threw him “for a loop” within the context of the puzzle’s theme. The overarching theme revolved around phrases where the last word is a homophone of the first letter of the first word. Examples included JOHN JAY, CHINA SEA, BUSY BEE, and TEXAS TEA. “UP TO YOU” seemed slightly off-kilter, suggesting a broader interpretation of the theme – phrases where the last word is a homophone of the initial letter of the first word, and not strictly two-word phrases.
This subtle nuance is what makes crossword clues so fascinating. “Doesn’t care either way” perfectly encapsulates the meaning of “UP TO YOU”. It implies indifference, a lack of preference, leaving the decision to someone else. This clue is a prime example of a concise and accurate definition leading to a common, everyday phrase.
Alt text: NYT Crossword Puzzle Grid from December 7, 2017, showcasing the completed puzzle.
Andy’s review further illuminates the puzzle’s meta-challenge: to find a two-word exclamation (5,3 letters) sharing the theme property. His solution, “GOLLY GEE!”, is a clever fit. This meta-puzzle element adds another layer of complexity and enjoyment for solvers, pushing them beyond simply filling in words to understanding the puzzle’s underlying logic.
The NYT puzzle, despite its thematic complexity, was described by Andy as feeling like a “high-word-count themeless puzzle”. This highlights a common experience for crossword solvers – sometimes the theme reveals itself only after the grid is complete, or it subtly enhances the solving experience without being overtly obvious during the process. The strength of this puzzle, as Andy points out, lies in its fill. Longer answers like LOSS LEADERS, TRIPLE AXELS, CRAZY IDEA, MOON BASE, and BAKE SALE contribute to a satisfying solve. Even colloquialisms like K-STATE add a touch of modern flair.
A Glimpse at Other Puzzles from December 7, 2017
While the NYT puzzle with its “doesn’t care either way” clue offers a brain-teasing experience, let’s briefly explore other puzzles reviewed on the same day to appreciate the variety within the crossword world.
Fireball Crossword: “Building Blocks”
Jenni’s review of Peter Gordon’s Fireball crossword, titled “Building Blocks,” reveals a puzzle with a unique visual theme. The grid itself is shaped like a TETRIS playfield, with black squares forming the seven Tetris shapes. The clue [Game with seven distinct shapes and a 10×20 playfield] at 1a immediately points to TETRIS. This puzzle is a delightful example of visual theming, where the grid itself becomes part of the puzzle’s solution. While the theme is quickly apparent, Jenni notes that the unusual grid shape leads to some less-than-ideal fill, such as APELET. However, clever clues like [Kicks bottom] for RUBBER SOLE and [Toy for a future aerospace engineer, perhaps] for MODEL ROCKET add to the puzzle’s charm.
Alt text: Solved Fireball Crossword grid “Building Blocks” showing the Tetris shape theme.
Wall Street Journal Crossword: “Cold Fronts”
Jim’s review of Damien Peterson’s Wall Street Journal crossword, “Cold Fronts,” unveils a pun-based theme. The “brr” sound is added to the beginning of words and phrases to create wintry-themed puns. Examples include BIRDIE FLAT (from D Flat), BURSTING RAY (from Stingray), BIRTHINGS TO COME (from Things to come), BURBANK LOAN (from Bank loan), and BERNIE CAPS (from Kneecaps). While Jim finds the theme entries somewhat lacking in “punch,” he appreciates BIRDIE FLAT and BERNIE CAPS. The puzzle also incorporates numerous cold-related clues throughout the grid, creating a cohesive wintry atmosphere. However, the puzzle is noted for its reliance on proper names and less common words, which might increase the difficulty for some solvers.
LA Times Crossword: Theme of Terminal ‘Y’ Loss
Gareth’s summary of the LA Times crossword highlights a theme where a terminal ‘Y’ is removed from words to create wacky answers. The revealer WISEOFF (Y’s off) clues into this theme. Examples include TOPFORT, ENGLISHIV, ARNIESARM, and CARBONCOP. This is a straightforward wordplay theme, relying on simple deletion to create humorous results. Gareth points out a personal error due to an obscure crossing, highlighting the occasional challenges even experienced solvers face with tricky intersections. The cultural reference to JOANN craft stores also serves as a reminder of the diverse knowledge base that crossword puzzles often tap into.
BEQ Crossword: “Themeless Thursday”
Ben’s review of Brendan Emmett Quigley’s website crossword, a “Themeless Thursday” puzzle, focuses on the quality of the fill and cluing in a themeless grid. He praises long fill like NAUGHTY BY NATURE and NICE GOING, GENIUS, and enjoys the inclusion of BUTTER PECAN ice cream. He notes some obscurity with NYNEX and GYROCAR, and appreciates the PG-rated swear words like DANGS. The review emphasizes the enjoyable challenge of a well-constructed themeless puzzle, where the clues and answers stand on their own without a unifying theme.
The Art of Clue Interpretation: Beyond “Doesn’t Care Either Way”
The “doesn’t care either way crossword” clue, while seemingly simple, underscores a crucial aspect of crossword solving: clue interpretation. Crossword clues are rarely straightforward definitions. They often employ wordplay, misdirection, and cultural references to challenge solvers. Understanding the type of clue is essential for cracking the code.
- Direct Definitions: Like “Doesn’t care either way” for UP TO YOU, these clues provide a clear synonym or definition.
- Wordplay Clues: These clues rely on puns, homophones, anagrams, or other forms of word manipulation. The “Cold Fronts” WSJ puzzle is full of pun-based wordplay.
- Cryptic Clues: Common in British-style crosswords, these clues are puzzles within puzzles, often containing a definition part and a wordplay part intertwined.
- Fill-in-the-Blank Clues: These clues require you to complete a familiar phrase or saying.
- Question Mark Clues: A question mark at the end of a clue often signals wordplay or a less direct interpretation.
Mastering crossword solving involves developing a knack for recognizing these different clue types and employing appropriate strategies. Sometimes, the simplest-looking clues, like “doesn’t care either way,” are the most direct and satisfying to solve. Other times, you might need to unravel layers of wordplay or cultural references to arrive at the correct answer.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Crosswords
Crossword puzzles, as exemplified by the diverse puzzles reviewed from December 7, 2017, offer a daily dose of mental stimulation and wordplay. Whether you’re deciphering a straightforward definition like “doesn’t care either way” or tackling a complex cryptic clue, the satisfaction of filling in the last square and completing the grid is undeniable. The variety of themes, clue styles, and puzzle constructors ensures that there’s always a fresh challenge awaiting, keeping crossword enthusiasts engaged and entertained day after day. So, the next time you encounter a clue like “doesn’t care either way” in your crossword journey, remember that sometimes the most direct path leads to the most satisfying solution.
