Echelons - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Echelons," is a classic example of a straightforward vocabulary-based clue often found in crossword puzzles. It asks the solver to find a direct synonym. The plural form of the clue is a strong indicator that the answer will also be a plural noun.

Clue Analysis

The word "Echelons" refers to levels or ranks in an organization, profession, or society. For example, you might hear about the "upper echelons of management." The core meaning is about hierarchical arrangement and stratification. The clue is simple and direct, with no wordplay or trickery involved. The solver's task is to access their mental thesaurus for a word that fits this definition and the grid's letter count.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Synonym Association: The most direct path to the answer is to brainstorm synonyms for "echelons." What other words mean "levels" or "ranks"? Words like strata, grades, levels, and ranks come to mind. The answer is another common synonym in this group.

2. Contextual Visualization: Picture things that are arranged in echelons. You might think of a pyramid-shaped corporate structure, layers of a cake, or rows of seats in a stadium. This visualization can help trigger related words that describe these layered structures.

3. Using Crossings: For an easy clue like this, if you're momentarily stuck, getting even one or two crossing letters will likely make the answer immediately obvious. For a five-letter word, a T at the beginning or an R in the middle would be a massive giveaway.

Background Context

The word echelon has its roots in the French word echelon, which means "rung of a ladder." This origin beautifully captures the idea of ascending levels. While it's often used in a military context to describe a specific formation of troops, ships, or aircraft, its more general use to mean levels or ranks is very common in everyday language.

Conclusion

"Echelons" is a perfect example of a clue that rewards a solid vocabulary. It's a fair and accessible clue that serves as a great foothold for solvers. By recognizing it as a synonym clue and noting the pluralization, you can quickly arrive at the correct answer and build momentum for the rest of the puzzle.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Levels or ranks in a system.
2. Hint 2: Think of layers, like in a wedding cake or a stadium.
3. Hint 3: Synonyms include ranks, levels, or strata.
4. Hint 4: The word can also describe rows of seats arranged one above the other.

The answer is TIERS.