Word After Bird or Binge: NYT Crossword Clues & Beyond
The phrase "word after bird or binge" often appears as a cryptic crossword clue, particularly in publications like the New York Times crossword. This clue plays on the double meaning of "bird" and "binge," hinting at a word that follows both in a specific context. Let's unravel this puzzle and explore the possible solutions.
The immediate solution jumps out if we consider the common phrase "early bird" and the equally prevalent "eating binge". The answer, in this case, is WATCH.
However, let's delve deeper into why this works and consider other potential interpretations, addressing some common questions that might arise.
What are some other phrases that use "bird" and "binge"?
While "early bird" and "eating binge" are the most common, the clue's ambiguity allows for a broader exploration. Consider these less frequent, but still valid, examples, keeping in mind that the crossword clue focuses on the word following "bird" or "binge":
- Birdwatching: While not directly followed by a single word, this implies the action of watching birds. The clue might require more wordplay to fit this scenario.
- Binge-watching: Similar to birdwatching, it's a phrase, not a simple sequence of a word after "binge."
Is there a less common word that could fit the clue?
It's unlikely, given the structure of most NYT crossword puzzles. They prefer concise, commonly used words. While obscure words might exist that coincidentally follow both "bird" and "binge" in some context, the puzzle's design points towards a simple, elegant solution. The elegance of "WATCH" is a hallmark of well-crafted crossword clues.
How can I improve my skills at solving cryptic crossword clues?
Cryptic crossword clues rely heavily on wordplay, double meanings, and anagrams. Improving your skill requires:
- Practice: Regularly attempting cryptic crosswords will significantly improve your pattern recognition skills.
- Understanding common cryptic techniques: Learning common clue types (anagrams, hidden words, reversals, etc.) will help you decode the wordplay.
- Learning vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for understanding both the possible meanings of words and the connections between them.
- Checking your answers carefully: If you're not getting answers, review the structure and meaning of each clue. Look for subtle wordplay that you may have missed.
In conclusion, while other less common word pairings involving "bird" or "binge" might exist, the most straightforward and likely solution to the NYT crossword clue "word after bird or binge" is undoubtedly WATCH. The clue cleverly leverages common phrases to create a concise and challenging puzzle.
