Today’s WSJ Crossword, titled “Going Halfsies,” offers a mix of clever wordplay and challenging intersections. With clues ranging from “Story lines” to “Certain sale markdown,” this puzzle tests both vocabulary and lateral thinking. Let’s dive into the solutions and strategies to conquer this grid.
Our team combines decades of crossword-solving experience with a deep understanding of constructor patterns. We analyze clues not just for surface meanings but for hidden wordplay, ensuring accurate and reliable solutions every time.
🧠 Our Solving Strategy
We tackled today’s puzzle by focusing on tricky intersections first. For example, the crossing of “Story lines” (1-Across) and “African viper” (1-Down) required careful consideration. We also prioritized longer answers, which often provide key letters for shorter clues.
Quick Summary of Hardest Clues
Clue
Answer
Explanation
1-Across: Story lines
ARCS
Refers to narrative arcs in storytelling.
58-Across: Certain sale markdown
FIFTYPERCENTOFF
A common retail discount phrase.
23-Down: Dutch painter Vermeer
JAN
Short for Johannes Vermeer.
Top Solution Breakdown
1-Across: Story lines – “ARCS” refers to the narrative arcs in stories, a common term in literature.
58-Across: Certain sale markdown – “FIFTYPERCENTOFF” is a phrase often seen in retail sales, indicating a 50% discount.
23-Down: Dutch painter Vermeer – “JAN” is the short form of Johannes Vermeer, a renowned Dutch painter.
⏪ Yesterday’s Recap
Yesterday’s puzzle featured the tricky clue “Whistle blower,” which stumped many solvers. The answer, “REF,” was a clever play on sports terminology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the trickiest clue in today’s puzzle? The hardest clue was “Certain sale markdown,” requiring solvers to think of a common retail phrase.
How do you approach long answers? We prioritize longer answers as they often provide key letters for intersecting clues, making the rest of the puzzle easier to solve.
What’s the best strategy for tricky intersections? Focus on clues with multiple crossings and use the letters from solved words to narrow down possibilities.
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