Some crossword clues are more playful than they first appear, and “Vault opener?” is a great example. It’s short, sounds simple, but actually carries a clever twist. If this clue gave you a pause while solving your mini crossword or a fast-paced USA Today crossword, you’re definitely not alone. Let’s unpack the logic behind it in the clearest way possible.
Possible answer:
Clue and Answer Breakdown
This clue plays with the word “vault”, which can have more than one meaning. Most people might first think of a bank vault a secure place to store money. But in this context, it refers to pole vaulting, the athletic event. The question mark at the end of the clue is a classic signal that there’s wordplay involved.
Instead of asking what unlocks a bank vault, the clue is pointing toward what helps an athlete vault over a high bar. And in the sport of pole vaulting, the object that begins the vault the “opener” is the pole. So, the answer to the clue is POLE.
Why POLE is the Right Answer
In the world of crossword puzzles, especially shorter ones like the NYT mini crossword answers, setters love to play with double meanings. Here, “vault” doesn’t refer to a locked chamber but to a physical leap. To vault, in this case, means to jump high using something to launch you and that something is the pole.
The pole isn’t just part of the event it’s the first thing an athlete needs to start the vault. So, calling it a “vault opener” is clever wordplay that points directly to the equipment used in the sport. It’s a great example of how crossword creators hide a second meaning in plain sight.
Trivia and Fun Fact
Pole vaulting has been around since ancient Greece, where athletes used sticks to jump over obstacles. The modern version became more popular in the 1800s, and today, competitors use poles made of fiberglass or carbon fiber to reach incredible heights.
Interestingly, the world record for men’s pole vaulting is over 6 meters that’s higher than the roof of most single story houses.
Solving Tip for Clues Like This
Whenever a clue ends with a question mark, take it as a hint that the clue is using wordplay. It’s not being literal. So instead of thinking “vault = bank,” ask yourself: “What else could vault mean?” In this case, remembering the sport helped unlock the answer.
Look at every word in the clue and ask, “Could this mean something else?” That simple question will help you spot twists like this faster.
Disclaimer
We are not affiliated with The New York Times, USA Today, or any official crossword publisher. This content is created to support and educate fans of crossword puzzles through clear clue explanations. All references are for educational and entertainment use only.
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