What a queen may lay - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "What a queen may lay," is a fantastic example of a classic crossword misdirection. It plays on the multiple meanings of the word "queen" to lead you down one path while the answer lies on another. This type of clue is a staple in puzzles and mastering it is a key step in becoming a more proficient solver. Let's break it down.

Clue Analysis

The clue seems straightforward at first glance. The word "queen" immediately brings to mind a human monarch. So, what might a queen lay? Perhaps a foundation stone for a new building, a wreath at a memorial, or even lay down the law. However, these phrases are often too long or don't fit the common patterns of crossword answers.

The trick lies in re-evaluating the word "queen." In the animal kingdom, several species have a "queen" at the head of their social structure. The most famous examples are bees and ants. A queen ant or queen bee has one primary biological function: to lay eggs.

This insight unlocks the clue. The "queen" is an ant, and what she lays is an egg. The crossword answer combines these two concepts into a single compound word.

Thinking Approaches

Here's a likely thought process for solving this clue:

1. Initial Interpretation: You first think of a human queen. You might brainstorm phrases like "WREATH," "CLAIM," or "FOUNDATIONSTONE." You'll quickly realize these don't fit the letter count or the crossing entries.

2. The Pivot: When the obvious interpretation fails, it's time to look for alternatives. Ask yourself: What else can 'queen' mean?

   • A playing card (doesn't lay anything).
   • A drag queen (unlikely in this context).
   • An insect matriarch (bingo!).

3. Connecting the Dots: Once you consider an insect queen, the verb "lay" points directly to eggs. This is the primary association for a queen ant or bee.

4. Forming the Answer: You now have the components: an ant and an egg. Crossword puzzles often merge related words into a single entry. Putting them together gives you the final answer.

5. Using Crossings: If you were stuck, getting a few letters from crossing clues would be a huge help. For instance, if you had A_T_ _ _, the ANT part might jump out, triggering the insect-related line of thought.

Background Context

This clue is a member of a large family of crossword misdirections that rely on animal-related double meanings. A clue like "Ruler's domain" might not be KINGDOM but APIARY (for a queen bee). Similarly, "Royal jelly consumer" would be LARVA, not PRINCE. Constructors love this device because it rewards lateral thinking.

The answer itself is a compound word, which is a common feature in puzzles. Sometimes these are established words (like TEACUP), and other times they are more playful, bespoke constructions created for the puzzle itself, as is the case here.

Conclusion

"What a queen may lay" is a perfect lesson in crossword-solving flexibility. It teaches us to never settle on the first, most obvious meaning of a word. By questioning our initial assumptions and exploring alternative definitions, we can crack even the most cleverly disguised clues. The next time you see a familiar word in a clue, take a moment to consider its other lives.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about non-human royalty.
2. Hint 2: This refers to the matriarch of a colony.
3. Hint 3: The item being laid is a form of progeny.
4. Hint 4: Specifically, it's the offspring of a certain six-legged insect.

The answer is ANTEGG.