Are you ready for a challenge?
If so, then the New York Times Crossword is sure to provide it!
This classic and beloved puzzler has been delighting readers since 1942. It’s a great way to exercise your brain and learn something new.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced solver, you’ll be able to find something enjoyable in this timeless game. So grab your pencil and get ready to shake things up a bit!
New York Times (NYT) crossword puzzle
The New York Times crossword puzzle is one of the most beloved and iconic puzzles of all time. It has been delighting readers since 1942, and it is a great way to exercise your brain and learn something new. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced solver, you’ll find something enjoyable in this timeless game. The NYT crossword contains clues for which you must find words that fit into the grid.
Definition of “Shake a little” as a clue
The phrase “shake a little” is generally used as an example of how to solve crossword clues. To shake a little means to use the additional information given in the clue to help determine the answer. This might include synonyms or other related words, anagrams, double meanings, and other forms of wordplay. For example, if a clue reads “Torn ado, for one,” shaking a little might lead you to the solution “Twister.”
How to Solve the “Shake a Little” NYT Crossword
Tips and tricks for approaching crossword puzzles
When first starting a crossword, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and to pay attention to any additional information given in the clues. This will make it easier for you to understand what type of wordplay is being used.
Look for patterns. Find words with similar letter patterns or words that share the same prefixes or suffixes. This may give you an indication of which word might fit in the puzzle.
Look for double meanings or puns. Many clues are written to have multiple interpretations, so be sure to consider all possible answers before making a guess.
Look at the shape of the grid. Take note of the number of boxes that make up the grid and look for any patterns that might be forming as you fill in words. This can help you to identify which words might fit.
Solving strategies for clues like “Shake a little.”
Be sure to read the clues carefully and pay attention to any additional information given. This will help you understand what type of wordplay is being used, and it may give you an indication of which answers might fit.
Look for patterns. Try to find words with similar letter patterns or words that share the same prefixes or suffixes. This can help you narrow down your choices and identify which words fit in the puzzle.
Look for double meanings or puns. Many clues are written to have multiple interpretations, so be sure to consider all possible answers before making a guess.
Look at the shape of the grid. Take note of the number of boxes that make up the grid and look for any patterns that might be forming as you fill in words. This can help you to identify which words might fit.
Examples of “Shake a little” Clues in NYT Crosswords
Specific NYT crossword puzzles and their “Shake a little” clues
The New York Times crossword puzzle is renowned for its clever and creative clues, and many of these contain wordplay that requires solvers to “shake a little” in order to uncover the answer. For example, in the April 8th, 2017 puzzle, one of the clues reads “Tornado, for one,” which could be solved by thinking of other words related to the answer, such as “twister.” In the April 12th, 2017 puzzle, one of the clues reads “Tear into pieces,” which could be solved by thinking of other words related to the answer, such as “shred.”
How solvers approached the clues and solved them
When solving a crossword puzzle, it is important to read the instructions carefully and pay attention to any additional information given in the clues. This will make it easier for you to understand what type of wordplay is being used. Solvers should also look for patterns, double meanings, or puns, as well as look at the shape of the grid. All of these strategies can help to identify which words fit in the puzzle and help solve the clues.
For example, when solving the April 8th, 2017 “Tornado, for one” clue, solvers could look for words related to a tornado, such as “twister” or “cyclone.” Similarly, when presented with the April 12th, 2017, “Tear into pieces” clue, solvers might think of words such as “shred” or “rip.”
Notable “Shake a Little” Puzzle Moments in NYT Crosswords
One of the most memorable crossword puzzle moments involving “shake a little” clues was from the April 8th, 2017, New York Times crossword. The clue for 21-across read “Tornado, for one,” and many solvers had difficulty understanding how to solve this particular clue. After some thought and consideration, however, many were able to identify that the answer was “twister,” a word related to a tornado.
Another memorable crossword puzzle moment involving “shake a little” clues was from the April 12th, 2017, New York Times crossword. The clue for 15-across read “Tear into pieces,” and many solvers had difficulty understanding how to solve this particular clue. After some thought and consideration, however, many were able to identify that the answer was “shred,” a word related to tearing something into pieces.
One of the most surprising and clever answers to a “Shake a little” clue was from the August 31st, 2017, New York Times crossword. The clue for 42-down read “Trick with cards, informally,” which could have multiple answers depending on how it was interpreted. After some thought and consideration, however, many solvers identified that the answer was “shuffle,” a term related to card games and trickery. This answer was both clever and unexpected, as it required solvers to think outside the box in order to uncover the correct word.
Conclusion
“Shake a little” clues are an integral part of the New York Times crossword puzzle, providing solvers with clever and creative wordplay that requires additional thought. These clues can often be difficult to solve, as they require solvers to think outside the box in order to uncover the answer. However, when solved correctly, these clues can be immensely satisfying and add an extra level of challenge and excitement to the puzzle.
Crosswords can be a great way to challenge your brain and test your knowledge. It is important to approach each puzzle with an open mind, take your time, and look for patterns and connections between words. When presented with a particularly challenging “shake a little” clue, it is important to remain patient and take the time to think through all possibilities. With a little bit of effort and creativity, it is possible to master even the most difficult clues!