Crossword clues that use puns or double meanings are often the most satisfying to solve and the clue “Lancelot’s strong suit?” is a great example. If this one appeared in a quick puzzle like the LA Times, NYT mini crossword, or a themed grid from the USA Today crossword, it’s playing with language in a clever way. Let’s look at why the answer works so well.
Possible answer:
Clue and Answer Breakdown
This clue is built on a pun. The phrase “strong suit” usually refers to someone’s greatest skill or talent like saying, “Math is her strong suit.” But here, it’s being used quite literally to describe a knight’s suit of armor, and more specifically, the type Sir Lancelot might wear.
The correct answer is MAIL, short for chain mail, which is a type of armor made from small metal rings linked together. It was commonly worn by knights in the medieval period and provided both strength and flexibility. Since Lancelot is one of the most famous knights in Arthurian legend, mail would quite literally be his strong suit both in battle and in a punny crossword sense.
Why MAIL is the Right Answer
The answer works on two levels. First, it’s a direct reference to knightly armor a “suit” made of mail that Lancelot would have worn in combat. Second, it plays on the modern phrase “strong suit,” making the clue feel like a blend of medieval imagery and wordplay.
This kind of layered clue is especially popular in mini crossword formats and free crossword puzzles where every word counts. It’s also a reminder that clues aren’t always straightforward sometimes, the twist is what makes the answer so fun to discover.
Trivia and Fun Fact
Chain mail was used as armor as far back as the 4th century BCE and became a standard for European knights by the Middle Ages. It was prized for being flexible yet protective, and it could weigh up to 20-30 pounds depending on the full suit.
Fun fact: The word “mail” comes from the Old French maille, meaning “mesh” which makes perfect sense when you picture the tightly woven metal rings that make up the suit.
Solving Tip for Clues Like This
When a clue ends with a question mark, it’s usually a signal that wordplay is involved. Ask yourself: is this clue being literal, or is there a pun hiding in plain sight? In this case, the phrase “strong suit” is the key to cracking it and knowing a little about knights certainly helps. Clues like this show up often in puzzles like the NYT mini crossword answers or themed crossword puzzles, so always be ready for a twist.
Disclaimer
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