The moment a crossword solver encounters *”Take that, [answer]!”*—or its more refined cousin *”Take this [answer]”*—the brain doesn’t just pause. It *stutters*. The clue isn’t just a question; it’s a dare. A linguistic trap. A test of whether you’ve spent enough time dissecting the *New York Times*’ cryptic grid to recognize the pattern before the ink dries. These clues, with their defiant phrasing and hidden agendas, are the crossword’s equivalent of a magician’s misdirection: the solver thinks they’re being led one way, only to realize the answer was hiding in plain sight—or worse, in the clue’s own arrogance.
What separates a *”take that”* clue from a standard cryptic? The answer lies in its *attitude*. While most clues ask politely (*”Capital of France?”*), these demand retribution (*”Take this capital of France and leave it in ruins”*). The solver isn’t just solving; they’re being *outsmarted*—then rewarded for seeing through the ruse. The satisfaction of cracking one isn’t just intellectual; it’s *personal*. It’s the crossword equivalent of a well-timed comeback.
The frustration is part of the allure. These clues thrive on the solver’s instinct to resist, to push back. *”Take that”* isn’t just a phrase; it’s a *challenge*. And in the world of cryptic crosswords, where every letter counts and every word is a potential weapon, the stakes feel higher. The question isn’t just *”What’s the answer?”* but *”How did they trick me into finding it?”*
The Complete Overview of “Take That” Crossword Clues
At its core, a *”take that”* clue is a subtype of cryptic crossword clue designed to manipulate the solver’s expectations. Unlike definition clues (*”10-letter word for a type of fish”*), which offer straightforward hints, or charade clues (*”fish + hook”*), which break answers into components, *”take that”* clues operate on *subtraction*. They strip away parts of words, rearrange letters, or invert meanings to force the solver to think laterally. The phrase itself—*”take that”*—often signals that the answer will involve removing letters, reversing sequences, or playing with word structures in a way that feels like a verbal jab.
The genius of these clues lies in their *duality*. On the surface, they appear aggressive, even confrontational. Beneath that, however, they’re precision instruments of wordplay. A well-constructed *”take that”* clue doesn’t just obscure the answer; it *reveals* it through the act of obscuring. The solver’s frustration is the clue’s greatest tool—because that frustration is what makes them *look closer*. Whether it’s a *”Take the first letter of [word] and add it to the end”* or a *”Remove the second letter and anagram the rest,”* the clue’s structure is designed to make the solver *work* for the answer, not just receive it.
Historical Background and Evolution
The roots of *”take that”* clues stretch back to the early 20th century, when cryptic crosswords began evolving from simple word puzzles into the intricate, rule-based challenges they are today. The British *Times* crossword, launched in 1933, is often credited with codifying cryptic conventions—but it was the post-war era, particularly the 1950s and 60s, that saw the rise of more aggressive wordplay. Solvers who had mastered anagrams and charades began demanding *more*: clues that weren’t just clever, but *combative*.
The phrase *”take that”* itself became shorthand for a specific type of clue manipulation, particularly in British puzzles, where constructors delighted in outsmarting their audiences. Early examples often involved *letter removal*—taking the first or last letter of a word and using the remainder in unexpected ways. Over time, the technique expanded to include *reversal*, *inversion*, and even *pun-based subtraction* (e.g., *”Take ‘thief’ and remove the ‘e’ to leave ‘thif’—now anagram that”*).
By the late 20th century, *”take that”* clues had become a staple of high-level puzzles, particularly in publications like *The Guardian* and *The Independent*. Constructors like Arachne (real name: Arachne Press) and later figures in the cryptic community refined the technique, blending it with other devices like *double definitions* and *hidden words*. Today, the phrase *”take that”* is less about the literal act of removing letters and more about the *attitude* of the clue—its refusal to play by the solver’s rules.
Core Mechanisms: How It Works
The mechanics of a *”take that”* clue revolve around *subtractive wordplay*: the answer is derived by *removing* parts of the clue’s surface text. The most common variations include:
1. Letter Removal: The clue instructs the solver to *take* (remove) a specific letter or set of letters from a given word, then use the remainder to form the answer. Example:
– *Clue*: *”Take the first letter of ‘banana’ and add it to the end of ‘apple’”*
– *Answer*: *”Pineapple”* (after rearranging letters, but the core action is subtraction).
2. Reversal and Inversion: The clue may require the solver to *take* a word, reverse its letters, or invert its meaning. Example:
– *Clue*: *”Take ‘listen’ and remove the ‘t’—now read it backward”*
– *Answer*: *”Silent”* → *”Tenis”* (if reversed) or *”Silent”* (if just removing ‘t’ and anagramming).
3. Pun-Based Subtraction: The clue plays on the double meaning of *”take”*—both as a verb (*remove*) and as a noun (*a shot, a retort*). Example:
– *Clue*: *”Take this ‘shot’ and remove the ‘t’—you’ve got a drink”*
– *Answer*: *”Soda”* (from *”shot”* minus ‘t’).
4. Anagram with Subtraction: The solver must first *take* (remove) letters from a word, then anagram the result. Example:
– *Clue*: *”Take ‘elephant’ and remove the first and last letters—now anagram”*
– *Answer*: *”Phe” → “Heap”* (or another valid anagram).
The key to solving these clues lies in *identifying the subtraction first*. The solver must ask: *What is being removed? How does that removal change the word?* Only then can they reconstruct the answer. Missteps here lead to the classic crossword frustration—staring at a grid, certain the answer is *”just there,”* only to realize the clue was *taking* something you weren’t paying attention to.
Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
*”Take that”* clues aren’t just a quirk of cryptic crosswords—they’re a *feature*. They elevate the solving experience from passive to active, turning each clue into a mini-game of wits. For constructors, these clues offer a chance to showcase *precision*: every letter removed, every reversal applied, must serve the answer without ambiguity. For solvers, they provide a thrill—proof that the puzzle is still *alive*, still fighting back.
The impact of these clues extends beyond the grid. They’ve influenced other puzzle types, from Sudoku variants that play with digit removal to escape-room-style challenges where “taking” an object is part of the solution. Even in non-puzzle contexts, the phrase *”take that”* has become shorthand for *outsmarting*—a testament to how deeply these clues have seeped into language.
*”A good cryptic clue should make the solver feel like they’ve been outwitted—but also like they’ve outwitted the clue in return. That’s the magic of ‘take that’: it’s not just a puzzle; it’s a duel.”*
— Arachne (Arachne Press), Cryptic Crossword Constructor
Major Advantages
- Enhances Lateral Thinking: *”Take that”* clues force solvers to think outside conventional word structures, improving cognitive flexibility. The brain isn’t just recalling definitions; it’s *reconstructing* them.
- Increases Solver Engagement: The combative nature of these clues creates a *feedback loop*—solvers feel a mix of frustration and triumph, which keeps them hooked on harder puzzles.
- Tests Precision Over Speed: Unlike fast-paced number puzzles, cryptic clues reward *attention to detail*. A misplaced letter in a *”take that”* clue can derail the entire answer, teaching patience.
- Encourages Deeper Word Knowledge: Solvers must grapple with etymology, homophones, and obscure word forms—expanding their vocabulary in the process.
- Adds Replay Value: A well-constructed *”take that”* clue can be revisited multiple times, each time revealing new layers of wordplay that were missed initially.
Comparative Analysis
| Standard Cryptic Clue | “Take That” Clue |
|---|---|
| Example: *”Fish that’s a type of bird (5)”* → *”Seagull” | Example: *”Take ‘gull’ and add ‘sea’—now it’s a fish (5)”* → *”Seagull” |
| Mechanism: Definition + wordplay (charade, anagram). | Mechanism: *Subtraction* + transformation (removal, reversal, inversion). |
| Solver’s Approach: Direct interpretation of components. | Solver’s Approach: *Identify what’s being removed*, then reconstruct. |
| Difficulty Level: Moderate (if wordplay is clear). | Difficulty Level: High (requires *spotting the subtraction* first). |
Future Trends and Innovations
As cryptic crosswords continue to evolve, *”take that”* clues are likely to become even more *aggressive*—not just in letter manipulation, but in *hybridization*. Expect to see clues that combine subtraction with:
– Multi-layered anagrams (e.g., *”Take ‘elephant,’ remove the ‘e,’ anagram the rest, then take the first letter of the result and add it to ‘cat’”*).
– Cultural references (e.g., *”Take ‘Shakespeare’s ‘to be’ and remove the ‘to’—now it’s a type of tea”*).
– Visual wordplay (e.g., clues that require *physically* rearranging letters in the grid before solving).
Digital adaptations may also play a role. Apps like *Crossword Nexus* and *The Guardian’s* interactive puzzles could introduce *”take that”* mechanics with *drag-and-drop* letter removal or *real-time* clue deconstruction. The future of these clues isn’t just about *removing* letters—it’s about *removing* the solver’s assumptions.
Conclusion
*”Take that”* crossword clues are more than a gimmick—they’re a *philosophy* of wordplay. They demand that solvers engage not just with the answer, but with the *act of solving itself*. The frustration, the “aha!” moment, the quiet satisfaction of outmaneuvering the clue—these are the hallmarks of a puzzle that refuses to be passive.
For constructors, they’re a chance to push boundaries; for solvers, they’re a test of patience and wit. And in an era where instant gratification dominates, *”take that”* clues remain a defiant reminder that some puzzles are meant to be *earned*—not just solved.
Comprehensive FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between a *”take that”* clue and a standard cryptic clue?
A: Standard cryptic clues combine *definition* and *wordplay* (e.g., *”Fish that’s a type of bird”*). *”Take that”* clues focus on *subtraction*—removing letters, reversing words, or inverting meanings to force the solver to reconstruct the answer. The key difference is the *active manipulation* of the clue’s surface text.
Q: How do I spot a *”take that”* clue?
A: Look for phrases like *”take,”* *”remove,”* *”leave,”* or *”strip”* in the clue. Also watch for *imperative* language (*”Now anagram the rest!”*). If the clue feels *aggressive* or *defiant*, it’s likely a *”take that”* variant.
Q: Can *”take that”* clues appear in American crosswords?
A: While less common, they do appear—particularly in *cryptic-style* puzzles (e.g., *The New York Times’* “Mini” or *USA Today*’s cryptics). British puzzles dominate this style, but American constructors are gradually adopting more aggressive wordplay.
Q: What’s the hardest *”take that”* clue I’ve ever seen?
A: One notorious example from *The Guardian* involved:
*”Take ‘quixotic,’ remove the ‘q,’ anagram the rest, then take the first letter of the result and add it to ‘mad’—now it’s a type of dance (6).”
The answer? *”Tango”* (from *”ixotic” → “ixot” → “ix” + “mad” → “tango”*). Solvers often miss the *double subtraction* step.
Q: Are there any tools to help solve *”take that”* clues?
A: Yes—crossword dictionaries like *Xword Info* or *OneAcross* can help identify possible answers after subtraction. However, the best tool is *practice*: the more you encounter these clues, the faster you’ll recognize patterns. Apps like *Crossword Puzzle Tracker* also track common *”take that”* structures.
Q: Why do constructors love *”take that”* clues so much?
A: Because they’re *high-risk, high-reward*. A well-constructed *”take that”* clue forces the solver to *work* for the answer, creating a sense of triumph. For constructors, it’s a chance to show off *precision*—every letter removed must serve a purpose, and ambiguity is the enemy.
