Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle
The clue "Being obsequious would put Mrs May off" leads us to the answer "SMARMY". Here's why:
- The word "obsequious" indicates someone who is excessively obedient or attentive, often in an insincere or ingratiating manner.
- "Mrs May" refers to a woman named May, who we can assume holds a position of authority or prominence.
- The phrase "put off" suggests that the behavior of being obsequious annoys or repels Mrs May.
Putting these elements together, we can infer that the answer to the clue is "SMARMY".
The word "SMARMY" is an adjective that describes precisely the type of behavior that would be displeasing to Mrs May in this context. It means behaving in a manner that is ingratiating, sycophantic, excessively flattering, or insincere. Someone who is smarmy may use flattery and servile behavior to gain favor or manipulate others, often to their own advantage.
The use of "SMARMY" as the answer in this crossword clue is a clever way to evoke the specific characteristics of being obsequious, thus tying it to Mrs May being repelled by such behavior.
By solving this crossword clue with the word "SMARMY", it challenges the puzzlers to make connections between the definition of the clue and the nuanced meaning of the answer, which in turn helps them expand their vocabulary and improve their word association skills.
Definition of "SMARMY"
ingratiating and wheedling in a way that is regarded as insincere or excessive
Example :The Crossword clue "Being obsequious would put Mrs May off" published 1 time/s & has 1 answer/s.
Crossword | Date | Answer |
The Guardian Cryptic | 21 May 2019 | SMARMY |