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Solved: The Tricky Clue "XXX, In A Way Crossword" And 5 Surprising Answers

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The crossword clue "XXX, in a way" is a masterclass in ambiguity, designed to trip up even the most seasoned solvers. This particular clue, which recently appeared in a major puzzle on November 29, 2024, is a classic example of a wordplay clue that relies on multiple meanings of the letters 'XXX' to obscure the true answer. To solve it, you must look beyond the immediate, common associations (like adult ratings or Roman numerals) and consider a more playful, lateral interpretation of the letters themselves.

The solution to "XXX, in a way" depends entirely on the number of letters required, but the most current and talked-about answer is a seven-letter word that turns the common notation for 'kisses' or 'adult content' into a clever pun. Below, we break down the definitive answer for the recent puzzle, explain the brilliant wordplay behind it, and provide a comprehensive list of other common solutions for this vexing clue.

The Definitive 7-Letter Answer and The Brilliant Pun

The most recent and tricky appearance of the clue "XXX, in a way" requires a 7-letter answer, and the solution is a word that instantly makes sense once the pun is revealed. This solution was featured in the New York Times (NYT) crossword puzzle on Friday, November 29, 2024, making it a fresh and highly relevant piece of information for modern solvers.

Solution: CROSSES (7 Letters)

The answer is CROSSES.

The Wordplay Explained (Topical Authority):

The connection lies in the popular children's game known in the UK and other parts of the world as Noughts and Crosses. In the United States, this game is more commonly referred to as Tic-Tac-Toe.

  • The 'XXX' Connection: In Noughts and Crosses, players mark their spaces with either an 'X' (a cross) or an 'O' (a nought). A winning line consists of three 'X's in a row—or 'XXX'.
  • The Pun: The clue "XXX, in a way" is a pun on the fact that 'XXX' represents three CROSSES (the marks used in the game). The letters 'XXX' literally stand for a way to get three 'crosses' in a row.
  • The Clue's Deception: The vagueness of "in a way" forces the solver to overlook the literal meaning of the letter 'X' as a cross shape and instead focus on its more common, but incorrect, associations like adult film ratings or kisses. This misdirection is what makes the clue so challenging and satisfying to solve.

Other Common Answers for "XXX, In A Way"

Because the clue "XXX, in a way" is so versatile, it has been used in various puzzles with different required letter counts. To achieve full topical authority on this subject, it's essential to know the other possible solutions that might appear in a Daily Mirror, Telegraph, or other major puzzle.

1. PORNO (5 Letters)

This is arguably the most common association with the letters 'XXX' due to its use as a film classification rating. In a less explicit puzzle, the clue might be phrased as "Film that might have 'XXX' in its title" or "Rating for a mature film." The answer, therefore, is often PORNO, the common five-letter word for an adult film. This is the most direct and least pun-based interpretation of the letters.

2. THIRTY (6 Letters)

In the world of Roman numerals, 'XXX' represents the number 30. If the clue requires a six-letter word, the answer is almost certainly THIRTY. The phrase "XXX, in a way" refers to 'XXX' being a *way* to write the number thirty. This interpretation is a common feature in crosswords that test general knowledge and historical notation.

3. ALE (3 Letters) or BEER (4 Letters)

Historically, the letters 'XXX' were used to denote the strength of a fermented beverage, particularly ALE or BEER. The more 'X's, the stronger the brew. This tradition dates back centuries. The clue "XXX, in a way" can refer to 'XXX' as a *way* to label a strong ale. This answer is less frequent in modern puzzles but is a crucial piece of crossword history and topical knowledge.

4. CHIS (4 Letters)

A highly obscure but occasionally used answer, particularly in puzzles like the Wall Street Journal, is CHIS. The Greek letter Chi is written as 'X'. Therefore, 'XXX' are three CHIS. The clue "XXX, in a way" refers to the letters being a way to represent a trio of Greek characters. This is a very niche and difficult interpretation that relies on knowledge of the Greek alphabet (which is a common source for tricky crossword answers).

Advanced Crossword Strategy: How to Solve Ambiguous Clues

Clues like "XXX, in a way" are designed to be ambiguous, forcing the solver to think laterally. To conquer these types of clues, especially those involving common symbols or abbreviations, you need a systematic approach.

1. Determine the Letter Count First

Always use the intersecting words to establish the exact letter count. This is the single most important step. As demonstrated, the required length immediately narrows down the possibilities from PORNO (5), THIRTY (6), CROSSES (7), or a shorter word like ALE (3). A seven-letter count, for example, is a huge hint toward the recent CROSSES solution.

2. Brainstorm All Meanings of the Symbol

List every possible meaning for 'XXX' before committing to an answer. The most common meanings are:

  • Kisses (often XOXO)
  • Adult Film Rating
  • Roman Numeral (30)
  • Strong Ale/Beer Rating
  • The letter 'X' itself (a cross shape)
  • A win in Tic-Tac-Toe / Noughts and Crosses

This process is key to unlocking the pun or wordplay that the setter is using. The clue "in a way" is a massive signal that the answer is a synonym, a related concept, or a pun based on one of these meanings.

3. Look for Related LSI Keywords

Crossword setters often group clues by theme. If you see other clues related to games, puzzles, numbers, or ratings, it can provide a contextual hint. For instance, if another clue references 'O's or 'Noughts', it heavily suggests the answer is CROSSES due to the Noughts and Crosses game. Becoming familiar with these LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords used by setters will dramatically improve your solve rate.

The clue "XXX, in a way" is a fantastic example of a modern crossword pun that leverages misdirection. By using the letter count and systematically exploring the multiple meanings of 'XXX', you can move past the obvious answers and confidently arrive at the correct solution, whether it's the recent CROSSES or another common variant.

Solved: The Tricky Clue
xxx in a way crossword
xxx in a way crossword

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