start and end of day crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for "start and end of day crossword clue" to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "start and end of day crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
DY: This answer is a common crossword trick, formed by taking the first letter ('D') and the last letter ('Y') of the word "day." This technique is frequently used in cryptic crosswords, where direct wordplay on parts of words is common.
8 Letters
TWILIGHT: Twilight refers to the period of soft, diffused light that occurs both before sunrise (dawn) and after sunset (dusk). This single word elegantly encompasses both the "start" and "end" of the day's natural light cycle, making it a fitting answer for this clue.
More About "start and end of day crossword clue"
The clue "start and end of day" is a classic example of how crosswords, especially cryptic ones, play with language and common phrases. While a straightforward interpretation might lead you to think of "dawn" and "dusk," the cleverness often lies in looking for a more abstract or literal take on the words themselves. This particular clue demonstrates the dual nature of crossword solutions: one relying on a linguistic trick, the other on conceptual understanding.
The two-letter answer, 'DY', perfectly illustrates the common "first and last letter" device. This mechanism is a cornerstone of many crosswords, rewarding solvers who think outside the box and analyze the wording of the clue literally for its components rather than its meaning as a whole phrase. It's a fundamental trick that, once learned, opens up many more solutions, particularly for shorter word slots.
Conversely, 'TWILIGHT' offers a more conceptual solution, referring to a single period that encompasses both transitions. This showcases another aspect of crossword design: looking for words that broadly describe the essence of the clue, even if not explicitly naming the specific start and end points separately. Recognizing both literal wordplay and metaphorical interpretations is key to mastering crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Structure: Pay close attention to words like "start and end of," "first and last," "extremes of," or "bookends." These often signal a need to extract letters from within another word given in the clue, rather than looking for a direct synonym.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words have multiple meanings or can be interpreted literally. "Day" in this clue could refer to the time period or the letters in the word itself. Always consider both the literal and figurative interpretations of all words in the clue.
- Think About Word Length: If you have an intersecting word and know the number of letters, this can greatly narrow down your options. For a two-letter slot, "DY" is a very strong candidate for a "start and end" clue, while "TWILIGHT" fits a longer answer.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with common synonyms for daily phenomena (dawn, dusk, sunrise, sunset) as well as more unique terms that might appear in puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "start and end of day" mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, this type of clue often refers to taking the first and last letters of the word mentioned (in this case, 'day'). So, 'D' for start and 'Y' for end would give 'DY'. Alternatively, it could refer to a single concept or time period that encompasses both, like 'TWILIGHT', depending on the intended answer's length and context.
Are there other words for the beginning and end of a day?
Absolutely! For the beginning, words like DAWN, DAYBREAK, and SUNRISE are common. For the end, words like DUSK, SUNSET, EVENING, and TWILIGHT are frequently used. The specific answer depends on the letter count and other intersecting clues in your puzzle.
How can I identify similar 'first and last letter' crossword clues?
Look for phrases like 'start and end of X', 'first and last of Y', 'bookends of Z', 'extremes of [word]', or 'first and final letters of [word]'. These are classic indicators that you need to extract the initial and terminal letters of the word provided in the clue, forming a new, shorter word.