Okay, so today I decided to tackle the “It’s a Blast” clue from the NYT Crossword. I’ve been doing the crossword off and on for years, and sometimes those short, punchy clues are the trickiest!
First, I stared at the clue for a good minute. “It’s a Blast.” My mind immediately went to explosives – dynamite, fireworks, that sort of thing. I tried to fit in “TNT,” but it was too short. I thought maybe it was some kind of abbreviation, like “EXP” for explosive, still too short. I also try to fill in the near answer，it really helps sometime.
Then, I started thinking more figuratively. “Blast” can also mean a really good time, like a party. I considered words like “FUN” or “JOY,” but, still no match in the squares that I had.I felt so stupid.
Thinking Outside the Box
I decided to take a break, get up, and get the * walking away for a few minutes helps clear my head. When I came back,I decided to fill in answers that close to the blank that I am 100% sure.
With a couple of crossing letters in place, the answer suddenly popped into my head: “GALA”! It fit perfectly! A “gala” is definitely a type of blast – a fancy, festive event.
- Initial Approach: Thinking literally about explosions.
- Second Attempt: Considering the “good time” meaning of “blast.”
- Breakthrough: Stepping away and coming back with a fresh look!
- Solution: Realizing “GALA” fit both the clue and the available spaces.
It’s funny how the crossword can stump you one minute and then feel so obvious the next. That’s what I love about it, though! It’s always a little mental workout.
