Jared Cappel sticks the landing in his New York Times Crossword debut.
Jump to: Today’s Theme | Tricky Clues
TUESDAY PUZZLE — Today’s crossword puzzle left me sore. As in it made me realize how sore my back was. After a week of desk work and slumped sitting, I was grateful for the reminder that I should really do something about the twinge in my shoulder. So I thank Jared Cappel, the constructor of today’s puzzle, for pointing me in the direction of some relief.
This is Mr. Cappel’s first crossword for The New York Times, and it makes for a fabulous introduction to his sense of humor. I hope he, ahem, sticks around.
Today’s Theme
Whether or not you’ve ever tried the [Traditional Chinese medicine component] at 27D, you can appreciate the ACUPUNCTURE-based wordplay in this puzzle. At 3-, 9- and 18-Down, italicized clues hint at expressions that double as things an acupuncturist may do during a session.
To [Grasp a central idea] is to GET THE POINT (3D). To [Betray] is to STAB IN THE BACK (18D) (though if you’re feeling actual stabs in an acupuncture session, you might want to find a new practitioner). And if you [Make noticeable progress], then you MOVE THE NEEDLE (9D).
I’ve tried acupuncture and enjoyed it, but it’s unsettling to think that, to the outside observer, I probably looked like a character from “Hellraiser” during my sessions.
We are having trouble retrieving the article content.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Source: Elections - nytimes.com
