Anything but basic Crossword Clue

Greetings to all New York Times crossword lovers!
Today we are going to solve the crossword clue "Anything but basic" ,After checking out all the recent clues we got the best answer below:

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

The clue for today's crossword puzzle is "Anything but basic" and the answer is "ACID". Let's examine why this clue has this answer:

1. Absolute contrast: The word "acid" is a stark contrast to "basic" in terms of their chemical properties. In chemistry, an acid is defined as a substance that has a pH level below 7, while a basic substance has a pH level above 7. This clue plays on the juxtaposition of "basic" and "acid" to create a contrast that leads to the answer.
2. Common expression: Another reason why "ACID" is the answer to this clue is that the phrase "anything but basic" is often used colloquially to describe something that is far from ordinary or simple. Acid, with its strong and often intense properties, is anything but basic in both the chemical and figurative sense.
3. Pun or wordplay: Crossword clues are known for their clever wordplay, and this clue is no exception. It utilizes a play on words, using the term "basic" to mislead solvers into thinking of something ordinary or basic, while the actual answer "ACID" takes a different, unexpected meaning based on its chemical properties.
4. Length and fit: The word "ACID" fits perfectly within the given space of the crossword grid, both in terms of its length and its compatibility with the intersecting clues. This is an important consideration when determining the correct answer.
5. Elimination of other possibilities: By considering the intersecting letters and clues, as well as the length of the word, we can eliminate other potential answers that don't fit the given criteria. In this case, "ACID" is the only word that fits all the requirements.

In conclusion, the clue "Anything but basic" leads us to the answer "ACID" due to its contrast with the term "basic," its common expression usage, the clever wordplay involved, the fit within the crossword grid, and the elimination of alternative possibilities. Crossword puzzles challenge our linguistic and analytical skills, and understanding the clues and arriving at the correct answers provides a sense of satisfaction.

Definition of "ACID"

a substance with particular chemical properties including turning litmus red, neutralizing alkalis, and dissolving some metals; typically, a corrosive or sour-tasting liquid of this kind.

Example :

trees were exposed to mixtures of heavy metals, acids, and overdoses of nutrients

traces of acid

she was unable to quell the acid in her voice

 The Crossword clue "Anything but basic" published 1 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
New York Times	26 May 2019	ACID