Some crossword clues are short, but they still leave you thinking. The clue “___ statesman” is one of those examples. Whether you’re solving a mini crossword or running through the NYT mini crossword answers, a simple blank like this can slow you down especially when it’s looking for a descriptive title. Let’s break down the clue and see why the answer makes perfect sense.
Possible answer:
Clue and Answer Breakdown
This clue gives us a blank followed by the word “statesman.” It’s asking for a word that often comes before “statesman” in common usage. The word “elder” fits this role perfectly. An elder statesman is someone who has had a long, distinguished career in politics or leadership and is respected for their experience. The clue doesn’t offer much else, which is typical for quick crossword puzzles like the USA Today crossword or the NYT mini crossword, where brevity is part of the challenge.
Why ELDER is the Right Answer
In many English expressions, “elder” refers to someone older and wiser someone who carries respect and authority because of their age or experience. In political terms, an “elder statesman” is often someone who may no longer be active in office but is still looked up to for guidance and wisdom. That’s why ELDER fits the clue naturally and clearly. It’s a familiar term that shows up often in both political writing and crossword clues like this one.
Trivia and Fun Fact
The phrase “elder statesman” originated in the 19th century and was often used to describe retired politicians who still influenced their country’s direction behind the scenes. In Japan, for example, it once referred to a group of former leaders who advised the emperor.
In modern times, the term is used more broadly even outside politics to refer to any senior figure in a field who remains respected long after their peak role.
Solving Tip for Clues Like This
For clues with a blank followed by a descriptive noun like “statesman” or “citizen” think about what adjectives are commonly paired with that word. Often, it’s a simple, well known term. In this case, “elder” is the kind of answer that fits both the clue’s structure and real world usage. These types of clues are favorites in free crossword puzzles because they test common phrases more than obscure facts.
Disclaimer
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