legal in a way wsj crossword clue

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08-02-2025

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Cracking the Code: "Legal in a Way" WSJ Crossword Clue

The Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle is known for its challenging clues, and "Legal in a Way" is a prime example. This clue often refers to lawful. However, the WSJ, being the sophisticated publication it is, might also use more nuanced synonyms. Let's explore the various possibilities and how to approach such clues in the future.

Understanding the Clue's Nuances

The beauty of a crossword clue like "Legal in a Way" lies in its ambiguity. It doesn't directly state "lawful," leaving room for synonyms that might fit the word count and surrounding letters. This forces the solver to consider different legal contexts and related terms.

The clue plays on the multiple meanings of "legal." It could refer to:

• Adherence to the law: This is the most straightforward interpretation. Synonyms could include:

  • Lawful
  • Legitimate
  • Licit (a more formal and less common synonym)
  • Rightful (implying a legal right)

• Pertaining to the law: This interpretation shifts the focus slightly. Think of words associated with legal processes or documents:

  • Statutory (relating to a statute or law)
  • Judicial (relating to courts or judges)

• Something that's legally permissible: This angle opens up a slightly different set of possibilities:

  • Allowed
  • Permitted
  • Acceptable (in a legal sense)

Strategies for Solving Similar Clues

When faced with a similarly ambiguous clue, consider these strategies:

• Think broadly: Don't limit yourself to the first synonym that comes to mind. Brainstorm a wider range of possibilities.
• Consider the cross-references: The intersecting letters provide crucial constraints. Use them to eliminate unlikely options.
• Look for word length: The number of letters in the answer is a critical piece of information.
• Understand the puzzle's style: The WSJ crossword is known for its sophisticated vocabulary. Be prepared for less common words.
• Check your work: After filling in an answer, double-check that it makes sense in the context of the surrounding clues.

Beyond the Obvious: Context is Key

The exact answer to "Legal in a Way" will always depend on the specific crossword puzzle and the intersecting words. However, by understanding the possible interpretations of the clue and using the strategies mentioned above, you significantly improve your chances of finding the correct solution. The key is to move beyond the most obvious answer and explore the nuances of the language. Happy puzzling!