If you are an avid fan of crossword puzzles, then you might have come across the “Take 5” clue in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) crossword. This clue can be particularly tricky to decipher, especially for beginners. In this article, we will discuss what the “Take 5” clue means and some strategies that you can use to solve it.
What is the “Take 5” WSJ Crossword Clue?
The “Take 5” clue in the WSJ crossword is a reference to the popular candy bar of the same name. The clue is typically used to indicate that the answer to the crossword clue contains five letters and is related to the candy bar in some way.
For example, if the clue is “Sweet treat that’s five letters long,” the answer might be “candy” or “treat,” but if the clue is “Sweet treat that shares its name with a candy bar,” the answer would be “Nougat,” as it is one of the ingredients of the Take 5 candy bar.
Strategies for Solving the “Take 5” WSJ Crossword Clue
If you are struggling to solve the “Take 5” clue in the WSJ crossword, here are some strategies that you can use:
- Look for other clues related to candy bars: If you see clues that reference specific candy bars, such as “Mars product” or “Nestle chocolate bar,” it might be helpful to cross-reference them with the “Take 5” clue. This can help you narrow down your options and identify the correct answer.
- Use wordplay to your advantage: Crossword clues often use wordplay and puns to lead you to the answer. For example, if the clue is “Take 5 candy bar ingredient,” the answer might be “Peanut,” as it sounds like “p-nut” and is one of the ingredients in the candy bar.
- Look for patterns: If you have a few letters of the answer, you can try to identify patterns that match the “Take 5” candy bar. For example, if the answer starts with “n” and ends with “t,” it might be “Nougat,” as it matches the candy bar’s name.
Final Thoughts
Solving the “Take 5” clue in the WSJ crossword can be challenging, but with practice, you can become more proficient at deciphering it. Remember to look for other candy-related clues, use wordplay to your advantage, and identify patterns in the answer. Happy puzzling!
- Consult a crossword dictionary: If you are still stuck on the “Take 5” clue, you can consult a crossword dictionary to help you find the answer. These dictionaries contain lists of words commonly used in crossword puzzles, which can be particularly helpful when you are looking for words related to a specific topic, such as candy bars.
- Don’t forget to check the crossings: The “Take 5” clue is typically only one part of the crossword puzzle, so it’s important to make sure that the answer you come up with fits with the other clues in the puzzle. If you have a few letters of the answer, make sure to check the crossings (the letters that intersect with the answer) to make sure that they match up with the other clues.
- Practice makes perfect: As with any skill, the more you practice solving crossword puzzles, the better you will become at it. Don’t be discouraged if you struggle with the “Take 5” clue at first – keep practicing and trying out different strategies until you find what works best for you.
In conclusion, the “Take 5” clue in the WSJ crossword can be a tricky one to decipher, but with a little practice and some helpful strategies, you can become a pro at solving it. Keep in mind that the clue is typically related to the Take 5 candy bar and contains five letters, and don’t be afraid to use wordplay, check the crossings, and consult a crossword dictionary to help you find the answer. Happy puzzling!
