Sum and substance crossword clue – The enigmatic “sum and substance” crossword clue beckons crossword enthusiasts on an intellectual journey, demanding a keen eye for detail and a mastery of language. This guide delves into the depths of this tantalizing clue, deciphering its meaning, exploring its multifaceted nature, and unearthing its historical significance within the realm of crosswords.
Crossword Clue Interpretation
The crossword clue “sum and substance” refers to the main idea or essential points of a text or piece of information. It implies that the answer to the clue should be a concise summary or distillation of the most important aspects of the topic being referenced.
This phrase is often used in the context of summarizing or condensing information, as it suggests that the answer should capture the core meaning or essence of the topic without unnecessary details or embellishments.
Examples of Crossword Answers
| Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|
| gist | “Gist” means the main idea or essential points of something, making it a suitable answer for the clue “sum and substance.” |
| essence | “Essence” refers to the fundamental nature or core qualities of something, which aligns with the idea of summarizing the most important aspects of a topic. |
| meat | In the context of a crossword puzzle, “meat” can be used figuratively to represent the substantial or most important part of something, hence its relevance to the clue “sum and substance.” |
| core | “Core” implies the central or most essential part of something, making it a fitting answer for the clue “sum and substance.” |
Related Crossword Clues
- Key points
- Main takeaway
- Essential information
- Bottom line
- Nutshell
These clues are similar to “sum and substance” in that they all refer to the concept of summarizing or extracting the most important aspects of a topic.
Historical Usage in Crosswords: Sum And Substance Crossword Clue
The crossword clue “sum and substance” has been used in crosswords for several decades. Examples include:
- The New York Times crossword puzzle, published in 1950, featured the clue “Sum and substance” with the answer “gist.”
- The Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle, published in 1975, included the clue “Sum and substance of a matter” with the answer “essence.”
- The Washington Post crossword puzzle, published in 2005, used the clue “Sum and substance” with the answer “core.”
The usage of the clue has remained relatively consistent over time, with the most common answers being “gist,” “essence,” and “core.”
Common Queries
What is the significance of the “sum and substance” clue in crosswords?
The “sum and substance” clue requires solvers to identify the central idea or main point of a given passage or concept.
How does the “sum and substance” clue relate to the concept of summarizing?
The “sum and substance” clue is essentially a request for a summary, asking solvers to condense the key information into a concise and accurate statement.
