Today’s USA Today crossword puzzle, “Inevitable (Freestyle),” constructed by Amie Walker and edited by Amanda Rafkin, offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts. As a themeless puzzle, it provides a wider range of vocabulary and clever clues, demanding a more flexible approach to solving.
UDON noodles, featured in the clue “Kijoyu ____ (noodle dish)” (63A), are a staple in Japanese cuisine. While many may be familiar with Udon in stir-fries or hot broths, this puzzle introduces “Kijoyu Udon,” a cold soup variety served in a soy sauce and citrus broth. The clue cleverly incorporates a general descriptor, “noodle dish,” allowing solvers to deduce the answer even without prior knowledge of the specific dish.
The puzzle also highlights prominent figures in the arts, such as Paloma PICASSO (43D: Jewelry designer Paloma). Daughter of the legendary artist Pablo Picasso, Paloma has carved her own niche in the world of design through her long-standing collaboration with Tiffany & Co. Her bold and innovative jewelry pieces reflect a unique artistic sensibility, making her a fitting inclusion in a puzzle that celebrates creativity.
Walt Whitman (1A: “To You” poet Whitman), a pivotal figure in American literature, makes an appearance in the puzzle. Though considered controversial in his time, Whitman’s poetry, notably his collection Leaves of Grass, is now recognized for its profound impact on American poetic expression. His poem “To You” encapsulates his ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level.
Contemporary music finds its way into the puzzle with the inclusion of Taylor Swift (54A: Swift, to Swifties), referred to by her nickname “TAY” amongst her devoted fanbase, and her song “MAROON” (12A). The clue cleverly uses a lyric from the song, “And how the blood rushed into my cheeks, so scarlet, it was ____,” integrating wordplay and musical knowledge into the solving process.
From classic beverages like Earl Grey and Sleepytime TEA (14A) to the culinary delight of IDLI (40D: Savory rice cake), the puzzle traverses a diverse landscape of cultural references. Even seemingly simple clues like “Hearts, e.g.” (8D), with its answer SHAPES, require solvers to think beyond the immediate and consider the geometric properties of the symbol.
The puzzle cleverly incorporates a hidden name clue with STAN (45D: Name found in “fast and loose”), showcasing the constructor’s ingenuity in crafting multifaceted challenges. The inclusion of foreign language vocabulary, such as SOL (59D: Sun, in Spanish), adds another layer of complexity and encourages a broader linguistic awareness.
“Inevitable,” the puzzle’s title, subtly connects to Ben Folds’ song “THE LUCKIEST” (49A), hinting at the theme of destiny and the journey of life. While the puzzle lacks a traditional theme, this underlying message adds a layer of philosophical depth to the solving experience. Clues like CLOWN NOSES (56A: Some circus performers’ red accessories) and SIGH (64A: “Best weekend ever” sound) inject a playful element, balancing the intellectual challenge with lightheartedness.
The conversational snippets interspersed throughout the puzzle – “I HAVE TO ASK…” (16A), “HEAR ME OUT” (24A), and “BETTER YET” (36A) – create a sense of interactive dialogue, as if the puzzle itself is engaging in a playful exchange with the solver. This unique element adds a dynamic dimension to the traditional crossword format, enhancing the overall enjoyment. The “Usa Today Daily Crossword Puzzle” continues to provide a stimulating mental exercise, seamlessly blending knowledge, wordplay, and cultural awareness into a captivating daily ritual.
