Partner of a pestle - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Partner of a pestle," is a classic example of a straightforward association clue often found in crossword puzzles. These types of clues are great for getting a foothold in a grid, as they rely on common knowledge and well-known pairings. Let's break down how to solve this one.

Clue Analysis

The key to this clue is the word "partner." This signals that the answer is the other half of a famous duo. The object given is a "pestle," which is a heavy, club-shaped tool. The solver's task is to identify the object that is almost always used with a pestle. The phrase is a set one, like "salt and pepper" or "nuts and bolts."

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, the most direct approach is simple word association.

1. Immediate Recall: When you hear or read the word "pestle," what's the first word that comes to mind? For most people, the full phrase "mortar and pestle" is ingrained in their memory.
2. Visualization: If the word doesn't come immediately, try to visualize the object. A pestle is used for grinding. What does one grind in? You'd picture a small, sturdy bowl. The name for that specific bowl is the answer.
3. Context: Think about where you would find these tools. They are common in kitchens for grinding spices or making sauces like pesto. They are also historically significant in pharmacies (apothecaries) for compounding medicines. This context can help jog your memory.
4. Using Crossings: Since this is a very common word, even if you're having a mental block, getting one or two crossing letters will almost certainly make the answer pop into your head.

Background Context

The mortar and pestle is one of humanity's oldest tools, with evidence of its use dating back tens of thousands of years. It's a simple yet effective device for breaking down solid substances into powder or paste.

Interestingly, the answer word has a completely different, and also common, meaning: a workable paste used in construction to bind bricks or stones. This is a classic crossword feature - a common word with multiple distinct meanings. The clue, however, clearly points to the tool, not the building material.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect illustration of an "easy" difficulty clue. It's a direct, definition-style clue that relies on a very common pairing. Recognizing these types of clues can give you a quick and confident start to your solve, helping you build a framework of letters to tackle the trickier parts of the puzzle.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This is a tool used for grinding or crushing ingredients.
2. Hint 2: It is a bowl-like vessel.
3. Hint 3: It's commonly used in kitchens to make pesto or in pharmacies to compound medicines.
4. Hint 4: The word for this object is also a type of building material used to bind bricks.

The answer is MORTAR.