Took a shine to - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Took a shine to," is a wonderful example of how crossword puzzles often use common idioms and phrases. It's a gentle and familiar expression that tests your ability to translate figurative language into a more literal, single-word answer.

Clue Analysis

The phrase "took a shine to" is an idiom meaning to develop a fondness or liking for someone or something. The key to this clue lies in two parts: understanding the idiom's meaning and paying close attention to the tense.

1. The Idiom: "To take a shine to" means to become fond of.
2. The Tense: The clue uses the past tense verb "Took." This is a strong signal that the answer will also be in the past tense.

So, we are looking for a past-tense word that means "became fond of."

Thinking Approaches

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

1. Direct Translation: The most efficient method is to recognize the idiom immediately. Ask yourself, "What's a simpler way to say 'took a shine to'?" The answer that often comes to mind is "developed a liking for" or, more simply, "liked."

2. Tense Matching: If you're wavering between potential answers, like "LIKE" and "LIKED," the tense of the clue is your guide. Since the clue is "Took..." (past tense), the answer must be "LIKED" (past tense). This is a fundamental rule in crossword construction that can save you a lot of trouble.

3. Substitution: Try replacing the phrase in a sentence. For example, "He took a shine to the new puppy." How could you rephrase that? "He liked the new puppy." This simple substitution test works perfectly here.

4. Using Crossings: For a relatively short answer, even one or two crossing letters can be a huge help. If you had the final 'D', for instance, you'd immediately think of past-tense verbs, which would quickly lead you to the correct answer.

Background Context

The expression "take a shine to" is an Americanism that dates back to the early 19th century. While its exact origin is debated, one theory suggests it relates to the idea of polishing something (like shoes) to make it shine, perhaps to impress someone you fancy. Another interpretation is that "shine" itself became a slang term for a "fancy" or "liking." Regardless of its origin, it has remained a charming and widely understood part of the English lexicon.

Conclusion

This clue is a straightforward and satisfying solve. It relies on knowledge of a common English idiom and reinforces the crucial crossword principle of matching the tense between the clue and the answer. By recognizing the phrase and noting the past tense, solvers can confidently fill in the grid.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This phrase describes developing a positive feeling for someone or something.
2. Hint 2: It means to have developed a fondness or preference for.
3. Hint 3: The clue is in the past tense, and the answer will be as well.
4. Hint 4: A synonym for "admired" or "was fond of."