The crossword clue "Military Brass" can be tricky, as it's not a straightforward definition. It plays on the double meaning of "brass," referring both to high-ranking officers and to the metallic alloy itself. This ambiguity makes it a challenging, yet rewarding, clue to solve. This article will delve into the various possible answers, exploring the nuances of the clue and offering strategies to crack it.
Understanding the Double Meaning of "Brass"
The word "brass" has two distinct but related meanings crucial to solving this crossword clue:
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High-Ranking Military Officers: In military contexts, "brass" refers to senior officers, often generals or admirals. This meaning implies authority, experience, and high rank within the military hierarchy. Think of phrases like "talking to the brass" or "the brass made the decision."
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A Metal Alloy: "Brass" is also a well-known metal alloy, primarily composed of copper and zinc. This meaning is less directly related to the military but can still be relevant depending on the crossword's theme or other clues.
Possible Answers to the "Military Brass" Clue
Depending on the crossword's difficulty and the context of other clues, several answers might fit:
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GENERALS: This is the most common and straightforward answer, directly referencing high-ranking military officers. Generals often represent the highest echelons of command in many armed forces.
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OFFICERS: A broader term encompassing various ranks, but still fitting the "military brass" clue. It's a less precise answer than "Generals," but might be suitable depending on the word length needed.
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ADMIRALS: Equivalent to Generals in the navy, this is another perfectly valid answer, especially if the crossword has a naval theme.
Strategies for Solving Military Brass Clues
Here's a breakdown of effective strategies:
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Consider the Word Length: Crosswords often indicate the number of letters required for each answer. This significantly narrows down the possibilities. Knowing if the answer should be 7 letters (GENERALS), 8 letters (ADMIRALS) or a shorter word like OFFICERS (7 letters) makes a big difference.
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Look at Intersecting Clues: Examine the clues that intersect with the "Military Brass" clue. The letters already filled in might reveal the answer, or at least eliminate certain possibilities.
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Think About the Crossword's Theme: Sometimes, crosswords have a specific theme. If the puzzle is focused on the navy, "ADMIRALS" is more likely. A general military theme makes "GENERALS" or "OFFICERS" more probable.
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Use Online Crossword Solvers (Sparingly): If you're truly stuck, online crossword solvers can provide hints, but only use them as a last resort. Trying to solve the puzzle yourself is far more rewarding.
Case Study: Example Crossword Clue
Let's say the clue is "Military Brass (7 letters)." This immediately points towards "GENERALS" or "OFFICERS" as likely answers. If the intersecting clues reveal a "G" at the beginning and an "S" at the end, then "GENERALS" is the most probable solution.
Conclusion
The "Military Brass" crossword clue is a clever example of how wordplay and double meanings can make a puzzle more challenging. By understanding the multiple interpretations of "brass" and employing strategic problem-solving techniques, you can confidently conquer this type of clue and many others like it. Remember to carefully consider word length, intersecting clues, and the overall theme of the crossword to determine the best answer.