One laying a foundation - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "One laying a foundation," is a classic example of a definition-style clue that points to a specific profession. While the word "foundation" can be used abstractly, crosswords often lean towards the literal, and this clue is no exception. It's a great entry point into a puzzle, relying on common knowledge rather than tricky wordplay.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a straightforward definition of a person's role. Let's break it down:

• "One laying...": This phrase clearly indicates we are looking for a noun representing a person, a doer of an action.
• "...a foundation": This is the object of their work. In a literal sense, this is the substructure of a building. Figuratively, it could be the basis for an idea or organization.

The most direct and common interpretation leads to a person involved in construction. The answer, MASON, is a perfect fit. A mason is a skilled tradesperson who works with stone, brick, or similar materials, and one of their primary tasks is to construct the foundation upon which a structure is built.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, here are a few ways to approach it:

1. Direct Association: Your brain might immediately connect "laying a foundation" with construction. From there, you can brainstorm specific jobs: builder, contractor, bricklayer, or the more general term, MASON.
2. Consider Both Meanings: Acknowledge the figurative meaning (e.g., a FOUNDER), but keep the literal meaning at the forefront of your mind. If you get stuck with abstract ideas, pivot to thinking about physical objects and the people who make them.
3. Use Crossings: Once you have a few crossing letters, the answer often becomes obvious. For a five-letter word like MASON, getting the 'M' and 'S' (M_S_N) would make it highly guessable.

Background Context

Masonry is one of the oldest known construction crafts. It involves building structures from individual units (like bricks, stones, or concrete blocks) that are laid in and bound together by mortar. The term MASON can refer to a stonemason or a bricklayer.

Interestingly, the word also refers to a member of the Freemasons, a fraternal organization with roots in the local guilds of stonemasons from the Middle Ages. This dual meaning sometimes appears in more complex crossword clues, but here, the context points squarely to the construction trade.

Conclusion

"One laying a foundation" is a solid, accessible clue. It tests your ability to connect a fundamental action with the profession responsible for it. By focusing on the literal meaning, solvers can quickly and confidently fill in the answer, building their own foundation for solving the rest of the puzzle.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This clue refers to a type of skilled worker or tradesperson.
2. Hint 2: This person often works with materials like stone, brick, or concrete.
3. Hint 3: Think of the construction of a building, specifically the very first parts that are built.
4. Hint 4: This profession shares its name with a well-known fraternal organization.