Case load? - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Case load?", is a perfect example of the kind of playful misdirection that makes crosswords so enjoyable. The question mark at the end is a crucial signal, telling us to look beyond the most obvious interpretation and search for a pun or a clever twist.

Clue Analysis

The phrase "case load" has a very common, established meaning: the number of active cases being managed by a professional, such as a lawyer, a doctor, or a social worker. However, the question mark invites us to deconstruct the phrase and consider its parts literally.

• Case: Instead of a legal or medical case, think of a physical container. What comes in a "case"?
• Load: Instead of a burden or workload, think of the contents or cargo being carried.

When we put these alternate meanings together, the clue transforms. It's no longer asking about a professional's work; it's asking what the "load" inside a "case" might be. A very common item sold by the case is beer.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue with a question mark, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Pun: Recognize that the question mark is your cue for wordplay. The literal meaning is almost certainly not the answer.
2. Deconstruct the Phrase: Break the clue into its component words. Here, that's "Case" and "load".
3. Brainstorm Meanings: List out different definitions or associations for each word.
   • Case: lawsuit, container, instance, medical situation.
   • Load: burden, cargo, contents, amount.
4. Recombine and Test: Try combining the alternate meanings to see if a new, plausible interpretation emerges. Combining "container" and "contents" leads directly to the answer. The contents (the "load") of a case are often BEERS.

Background Context

In many parts of the world, particularly North America, beverages like soda, water, and beer are commonly sold in bulk quantities called a "case". A standard case of beer typically contains 24 cans or bottles. This cultural shorthand is so common that the phrase "a case of beer" is instantly recognizable, making it fertile ground for crossword constructors to create puns like this one.

Conclusion

This clue is a classic example of a simple pun that hinges on reinterpreting a common idiom. By recognizing the question mark as a sign for wordplay and breaking the clue down into its literal parts, solvers can sidestep the misdirection and arrive at the satisfying answer. It's a great reminder to always stay flexible in your thinking!

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue is a play on words, indicated by the question mark. Don't think about a professional's workload.
2. Hint 2: Think of a type of container often purchased for a party or tailgate.
3. Hint 3: This container is frequently used to carry a specific type of alcoholic beverage.
4. Hint 4: The answer refers to the contents of a 24-pack.