A complete unknown? nyt crossword clue

The clue "A complete unknown?" could suggest a couple of different angles, but it has the potential for some wordplay, which is common in crossword clues. One way to interpret this clue is through its literal meaning and characteristics of language itself. 1. **Literal Interpretation**: At first glance, "a complete unknown" suggests something or someone who is entirely unfamiliar or anonymous. 2. **Wordplay**: There's also a chance that the phrase is playing with words. The phrase "a complete unknown" can suggest someone whose identity does not have an answer—this is where wordplay might come in. Based on these interpretations, one possible answer to this clue might be: - **"X"**: The letter X is often used in mathematics and discussions to represent an unknown variable. In many contexts, "X" signifies something unknown. So, in this case, the phrase "a complete unknown" could cleverly hint at the unknown quantity represented by "X." 3. **Finalizing the Answer**: This fits neatly into the format of crossword answers, and it uses both the literal and figurative meanings. Thus, the best answer to the clue "A complete unknown?" is likely "X." ### Tips for Similar Crossword Clues: - **Look for Wordplay**: Many clues contain puns or double meanings. Being familiar with classic wordplay techniques can help decode these clues. - **Think in Symbols**: Abbreviations, common symbols, or even elements from math or science can often provide the answer to seemingly esoteric clues. - **Contextual Thinking**: Consider the broader category of the clue (e.g., is it about a person, a concept, etc.) which can guide your thought process. - **Cross-referencing**: If you have other answers already filled in, they can provide essential letters that might narrow down your possible answers further.