If you’re a fan of the New York Times crossword puzzle, you may have come across the clue “Laos and Lebanon” at some point. This clue has appeared in various forms over the years, and it can be a tricky one to solve. In this article, we’ll explore the history of this clue and provide some tips for solving it.
The History of the Clue
The clue “Laos and Lebanon” first appeared in the New York Times crossword puzzle on December 31, 1975. It was a clue for the answer “countries”, and it has since been used in various forms, including “Laos and Lebanon, e.g.” and “Laos and Lebanon, for two”.
The clue is a play on words, as both Laos and Lebanon are countries that start with the letter “L”. This type of clue is known as a “double definition” clue, where the answer can be interpreted in two different ways.
Other Clues with Similar Wordplay
The clue “Laos and Lebanon” is not the only one of its kind in the New York Times crossword puzzle. Other clues that use a similar wordplay include “Ireland and Iceland” for the answer “islands” and “Peru and Poland” for the answer “countries”.
These types of clues can be challenging to solve, as they require you to think outside the box and consider different interpretations of the words in the clue.
Tips for Solving the Clue
If you come across the clue “Laos and Lebanon” in a crossword puzzle, here are some tips to help you solve it:
Consider the Context
The context of the clue can often provide hints as to what type of answer is being sought. For example, if the clue is “Laos and Lebanon, e.g.”, the answer is likely a plural noun. If the clue is “Laos and Lebanon, for two”, the answer is likely a phrase or a number.
Think of Other Countries That Start with “L”
While Laos and Lebanon are the most common answers for this clue, there are other countries that start with the letter “L” that could also fit. Some examples include Libya, Lithuania, and Luxembourg. If the clue has a plural form, you may need to think of multiple countries that start with “L”.
Use Crossword Solving Tools
If you’re stuck on this clue, you can always turn to crossword solving tools for help. These tools allow you to input the letters you already have and provide potential answers based on those letters. Some popular crossword solving tools include Crossword Solver, One Across, and Crossword Nexus.
Other Crossword Clues with Countries
The New York Times crossword puzzle often includes clues that reference countries. Here are a few other examples:
“Country that borders both Iran and Afghanistan”
The answer to this clue is “Pakistan”. This clue is an example of a “geography” clue, where the answer is a specific location.
The answer to this clue is “Andorra”. This clue is an example of a “geography” clue, similar to the previous one.
“Country that was once known as Persia”
The answer to this clue is “Iran”. This clue is an example of a “history” clue, where the answer is a fact about a specific country.
Final Thoughts
The clue “Laos and Lebanon” may seem simple at first glance, but it can be a tricky one to solve. By considering the context, thinking of other countries that start with “L”, and using crossword solving tools, you can improve your chances of solving this clue and others like it. Happy puzzling!
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