Decoding the "95 Across Two Sticky Things" Crossword Clue: A Deep Dive into Potential Answers
This article unravels the cryptic crossword clue "95 Across Two Sticky Things," exploring potential answers and delving into the linguistic and logical reasoning behind such puzzles. We'll examine the wordplay involved, consider potential thematic links, and ultimately offer a range of plausible solutions, explaining why they fit the clue's constraints. For crossword enthusiasts, understanding the techniques used in constructing these clues is key to unlocking their secrets.
Understanding the Clue's Structure:
The clue, "95 Across Two Sticky Things," presents a multifaceted challenge. Let's break it down:
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"95 Across": This indicates the answer's length and position in the crossword grid. The answer needs to be a word (or phrase) containing 95 letters, split across two entries. This immediately suggests a rather unusual, possibly even non-standard answer.
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"Two Sticky Things": This is the descriptive part of the clue, providing the semantic link to the solution. "Sticky" implies something adhesive, clinging, or difficult to remove. This could refer to literal stickiness (like glue) or metaphorical stickiness (like a persistent problem). The phrase "two" signifies that the answer needs to be somehow divided or conceptually linked to two distinct but related entities.
Possible Interpretations and Solutions:
Given the unusual length (95 letters split across two entries), we must consider less conventional approaches. The answer likely isn't a single, easily recognizable word. Instead, we need to consider:
1. Compound Words or Phrases: The answer might be two longer words or phrases combined, each relating to something sticky. For instance:
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Option A: Imagine two scientific terms relating to adhesives – perhaps a long, technical name for a type of resin in one entry and a description of a specific bonding process in the other. This could theoretically add up to 95 letters when fully written out. The challenge here is finding two suitable, obscure enough terms to meet the letter count.
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Option B: We could consider two idioms or proverbs that contain the idea of "stickiness." For example, one entry might contain a phrase about a difficult situation (“a sticky wicket”) and the other a phrase about something stubbornly clinging (“a burr under the saddle”). Again, constructing phrases with a precise 95-letter count requires specific word choices and clever phrasing.
2. Coded or Abbreviated References: The clue might be pointing toward a coded answer. This is particularly plausible given the unusual length requirement. For example:
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Option C: The solution might involve two long chemical formulas or scientific classifications describing sticky substances. The numerical designation "95" might be a subtle hint, perhaps referencing a specific compound or element within the formula.
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Option D: Less likely, but imaginable, are two strings of alphanumeric codes related to adhesive materials found in specialized databases or industry standards. This approach would rely on the setter's knowledge of specific industrial coding systems.
3. Thematic Clues: The clue might have a hidden theme linking the two "sticky things." This could be related to:
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Option E: A particular industry (like adhesives manufacturing) where two key processes or materials are central. The combined description of these processes or materials could reach the 95-letter count.
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Option F: A specific historical event or period associated with two particular adhesive substances or situations with a "sticky" resolution.
The Challenges of Solving This Clue:
This clue is exceptionally difficult due to:
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The unusual length requirement: 95 letters are significantly longer than the average crossword answer. This necessitates a creative approach, moving beyond single words.
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The ambiguity of "sticky": The term can be interpreted literally or metaphorically, widening the search space significantly.
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The lack of additional constraints: There's no obvious pattern or further information to guide solvers. The clue relies heavily on general knowledge, lateral thinking, and a deep understanding of crossword construction techniques.
Strategies for Solving This Type of Clue:
To solve such a difficult clue, consider these strategies:
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Brainstorming: Generate a wide range of possible terms relating to "sticky things," including literal and metaphorical interpretations.
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Research: Consult dictionaries, encyclopedias, and specialized databases for lengthy scientific terms, chemical formulas, or coded industry references.
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Pattern Recognition: Look for patterns or repeated elements in the brainstormed terms, as these might suggest a possible thematic link.
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Collaboration: Working with other crossword enthusiasts can provide diverse perspectives and help to uncover hidden connections.
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Trial and Error: Attempt to combine different phrases or terms, checking against the letter count to see if they meet the 95-letter requirement.
Conclusion:
The crossword clue "95 Across Two Sticky Things" is a complex and demanding puzzle. The exceptionally high letter count, combined with the ambiguity of the descriptive phrase, requires a combination of lateral thinking, creative problem-solving, and possibly specialist knowledge. Solving it likely involves assembling two lengthy phrases or codes related to adhesive materials or situations. The key lies in interpreting the "sticky" aspect broadly, acknowledging both literal and metaphorical possibilities, and using research to identify appropriate terms that meet the specified length requirements. While a definitive answer requires further information or a larger context within the crossword, this article provides a framework for understanding the logic and potential approaches required to tackle such challenging clues. The process itself, of exploring the nuances of language and applying deductive reasoning, is perhaps just as rewarding as finding the final solution.