#Side to Take into Consideration: A Comprehensive Guide to NYT Crossword Clues
Introduction
The New York Times (NYT) crossword puzzle is a beloved staple for puzzle enthusiasts, offering a blend of wit, wordplay, and intellectual challenge. Among its many intriguing clues, the phrase "side to take into consideration" stands out as a prime example of the cryptic and layered nature of crossword construction. This clue, while seemingly straightforward, often requires solvers to think beyond the literal meaning and delve into the realm of wordplay, homophones, and lateral thinking. Understanding how to approach such clues is essential for mastering the NYT crossword, as it reflects the broader strategies needed to tackle even the most challenging puzzles.
This article explores the significance of the "side to take into consideration" clue, breaking down its structure, common strategies for solving it, and the pitfalls to avoid. By examining real-world examples and theoretical insights, we’ll uncover why this clue is a microcosm of the broader crossword-solving experience. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or a curious beginner, this guide will equip you with the tools to navigate the complexities of the NYT crossword with confidence.
Understanding the Clue: What Does "Side to Take into Consideration" Mean?
At first glance, the clue "side to take into consideration" might seem like a simple instruction to think about a particular aspect of a problem. However, in the context of a crossword puzzle, this phrase is rarely meant to be taken literally. Instead, it often serves as a cryptic clue, where the answer is hidden in the wording or requires a clever reinterpretation.
In crossword terminology, a "side" can refer to a physical direction (e.g., left or right), a part of a word (e.g., the first or last letter), or even a metaphorical concept. When paired with "take into consideration," the clue may be hinting at a homophone, anagram, or cryptic definition. For example, the answer could be a word that sounds like "side" but has a different meaning, or it might involve rearranging letters to form a new word.
The key to solving such clues lies in recognizing that the NYT crossword often uses wordplay to disguise the answer. This means that the clue is not a direct question but a riddle that requires solvers to think creatively. For instance, the phrase might be a double definition, where "side" and "take into consideration" both point to the same word. Alternatively, it could involve a hidden word or container clue, where the answer is embedded within the clue’s structure.
Understanding the nuances of this clue is crucial because it exemplifies the broader principles of crossword construction. The NYT crossword is known for its cryptic style, which often blends humor, logic, and linguistic creativity. By mastering how to interpret clues like "side to take into consideration," solvers can develop the skills needed to tackle even the most challenging puzzles.
Strategies for Solving "Side to Take into Consideration" Clues
Solving a clue like "side to take into consideration" requires a combination of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. Here are some effective strategies to approach such clues:
1. Analyze the Structure of the Clue
Start by breaking down the clue into its components. Ask yourself:
- What does "side" mean in this context?
- What does "take into consideration" imply?
- Are there any hidden words or phrases within the clue?
For example, "side" could refer to a homophone (a word that sounds like another word), such as "side" and "sigh" (if the clue is a play on pronunciation). Alternatively, it might involve a container clue, where the answer is formed by combining parts of the clue.
2. Consider the Number of Letters
The number of letters in the answer is a critical clue. If the answer is a single word, the length of the clue can provide hints. For instance, if the answer is a 5-letter word, you might look for a word that fits both the literal and figurative meanings of "side" and "take into consideration."
3. Use Crossword Dictionaries and Resources
Crossword solvers often rely on crossword dictionaries or online tools to find words that match specific patterns. These resources can help identify potential answers by listing words with similar letter counts or meanings. For example, if the clue is "side to take into consideration," you might search for words that relate to "consideration" or "side" and see if any fit the grid.
4. Think About Common Crossword Themes
The NYT crossword often incorporates thematic elements, such as puns, historical references, or pop culture. If the clue is part of a larger theme, the answer might relate to that theme. For instance, if the puzzle’s theme is "opposites," the answer could be a word that represents a dual perspective or a balanced approach.
5. Check for Wordplay Indicators
Cryptic crosswords frequently use indicator words to signal the type of wordplay involved. For example, words like "say," "means," or "sounds like" might indicate a **hom
6. ExploreCommon Wordplay Devices
Beyond homophones, cryptic clues often lean on a handful of recurring devices that can unlock the answer:
| Device | Typical Indicator | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Anagram | “scrambled,” “mixed,” “rearranged,” “in disarray” | Reorders letters of a word or phrase to create a new one. |
| Hidden Word | “inside,” “within,” “ concealed,” “in part” | The answer is embedded directly in the clue (e.g., “cONTAINED RACE” → RACE). |
| Container | “around,” “holding,” “enveloping” | One answer is placed inside another (e.g., “cAGe” around “e” → CAGE). |
| Reversal | “backwards,” “reversed,” “turning” | The order of letters is flipped (e.g., “up” → “PU”). |
| Charade | “plus,” “and,” “together” | Two or more separate words are simply concatenated. |
| Deletion/Insertion | “without,” “remove,” “drop” | Letters are taken away or added to form the solution. |
When you spot one of these cue words, treat the rest of the clue as a set of instructions for manipulating the surrounding letters. For instance, a clue such as “Side to take into consideration, oddly (5)” might be parsed as: *Take the odd‑positioned letters of “consideration” (C I N S I O N) → CINSO → an anagram that yields SIONC, which clues “SION” (a side of a mountain). The wordplay indicator (“oddly”) tells you to pick the odd‑numbered letters, and the definition (“side”) points to “SION” (a lesser‑known term for a slope).
7. Build a Personal “Clue‑Bank”
Experienced solvers often keep a small notebook of favorite clue constructions they’ve encountered. Over time, patterns emerge—especially for recurring indicator words and the way setters set up containers or reversals. When you add a new clue to your bank, note:
- The exact phrasing of the indicator.
- The length of the answer and any known letters from intersecting clues.
- The surface‑level meaning versus the wordplay mechanism.
Having this reference material speeds up future solving sessions, because you can quickly match a fresh clue to a previously seen construction rather than starting from scratch each time.
8. Practice With Incremental Difficulty
If you’re just beginning to tackle cryptic clues, start with easier puzzles—many newspapers publish a “quick” or “mini” cryptic alongside the standard grid. These clues typically use fewer layers of wordplay and more straightforward definitions. As you grow comfortable, move on to the full‑size New York Times puzzle, where the clues become more inventive and the surface readings more deceptive.
Conclusion
Mastering cryptic crosswords is less about memorizing obscure vocabulary and more about learning to read clues as miniature puzzles themselves. By dissecting the structure, spotting indicator words, and experimenting with common devices like anagrams, hidden words, and containers, you’ll gradually turn every cryptic hint into a solvable equation. The next time you encounter a clue such as “side to take into consideration,” you’ll not only recognize the potential wordplay but also feel confident that you have the tools to crack it—turning what once seemed like a tangled riddle into a satisfying “aha!” moment. Happy solving!
