Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle
Today's clue, "Not the forename of forty thieves!", leads us to the answer "ALI". Let's break down the clue and explain why it has this answer:
- 1. Not the forename: The word "forename" implies a person's given name or first name. So, the clue is suggesting that we should not consider a person's name for the answer.
- 2. Of forty thieves: This phrase is a reference to the popular story from "Arabian Nights" called "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves". The key here is that the answer should not be related to the forename of any of these forty thieves.
Putting these two parts together, we can conclude that the answer "ALI" satisfies the clue requirements.
Although "Ali" is commonly known as a forename, the clue explicitly instructs us not to consider it in the context of the forty thieves. This misdirection leads us to the correct answer.
Note that "ALI" is not a multiple-word answer, so there is no risk of misunderstanding the answer as a phrase or sentence.
In summary, today's crossword clue "Not the forename of forty thieves!" is cleverly crafted to divert our attention from conventional thinking. By explicitly excluding the forename and emphasizing the connection to the famous story, the clue points towards the answer "ALI". This demonstrates the creative and deceptive nature of crossword puzzles, challenging solvers to think outside the box and find unexpected solutions.
Definition of "ALI"
(c.600–61 AD), the fourth caliph, cousin of Muhammad and husband of the prophet's daughter Fatima. Ali is regarded by Shiites as Muhammad's first true successor.
The Crossword clue "Not the forename of forty thieves!" published 2 time/s & has 1 answer/s.
Crossword | Date | Answer |
Evening Standard - Cryptic | 15 February 2024 | ALI |