They make a high-pitched noise when they’re pretty heated - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue is a delightful example of a straightforward descriptive clue with a subtle layer of wordplay. It describes a common household object in a way that is both literal and slightly whimsical. Let's break down how to arrive at the answer.

Clue Analysis

The clue, "They make a high-pitched noise when they're pretty heated," works on two levels.

1. The Literal Meaning: This is the primary path to the answer. We're looking for an object (plural, as indicated by "They") that, when heated to a high temperature, emits a high-pitched sound. This is a classic description of a stovetop item used to boil water.

2. The Figurative Wordplay: The phrase "pretty heated" is a common idiom for being angry or agitated. The clue cleverly personifies the object, as if it's getting worked up and "whistling" in frustration. While this is a fun layer, the literal meaning is what points directly to the solution.

The combination of these two elements makes for a well-crafted and satisfying clue.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might approach this clue in a few ways:

1. Direct Association: The most common approach is to read the clue and immediately think of the object it describes. The phrase "high-pitched noise" combined with "heated" is a strong trigger for the sound of boiling water in a specific vessel.

2. Categorization: If the answer doesn't come immediately, you can narrow it down. What kind of things get "heated" in a home? Ovens, stovetops, irons, and kitchen appliances. Which of those make a "high-pitched noise" as part of their function? This line of thinking quickly eliminates most possibilities and leads you to the kitchen.

3. Leveraging Crossings: For any puzzle, using the crossing entries is a key strategy. If you had just a few letters, like T__K______, the answer would likely become obvious. The plural 'S' at the end is also a helpful confirmation.

Background Context

The object in question is the kettle, specifically the stovetop variety. The iconic whistle is a simple but ingenious piece of engineering. As water boils, it turns into steam, creating pressure inside the sealed kettle. This pressurized steam is forced out through a small opening in the spout, which is specially shaped to vibrate as the steam passes through it, creating the high-pitched sound. It's a low-tech alarm system that has been a fixture in kitchens for generations.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of an "easy" difficulty clue that is still enjoyable to solve. It relies on common knowledge and presents it with a touch of wit through the "heated" pun. It's a solid, accessible clue that helps solvers build momentum in a puzzle.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of a common kitchen appliance.
2. Hint 2: This item is used to prepare a popular hot beverage.
3. Hint 3: The noise it makes is often a whistle, signaling that the water is ready.
4. Hint 4: You might find one of these on a stovetop.