- Understand Wordplay and Puns
Many crossword clues involve wordplay, where the clue may not directly lead to the answer. For example, “remote possibilities” can refer to “BUTTONS” as they are small items that control devices remotely. Look for connections that may not be immediately obvious.
- Break Down the Clue
Analyze the clue for different components. Identify keywords that might indicate synonyms or alternate meanings. “Remote” can imply distance or control, while “possibilities” suggests options or choices.
- Use Crossword Resources
Leverage online crossword solvers or databases that can provide past answers to similar clues. Websites often archive solutions, which can help you recognize patterns or common answers.
- Practice Regularly
The more you engage with crossword puzzles, the better you will become at recognizing common clues and patterns. Regular practice helps improve your vocabulary and problem-solving skills.
- Be Open to Multiple Interpretations
Sometimes clues can have more than one valid interpretation. Be flexible in your thinking and consider various angles before settling on an answer.
Definitions and Usage
A “remote possibility” indicates that there is a chance, albeit a slim one, for a particular event or scenario to occur. “remote possibility” is a useful phrase for articulating scenarios where something could happen but is unlikely to do so. It is commonly applied across various fields, including science, politics, and everyday conversation, to express skepticism about the likelihood of certain outcomes.
“remote possibilities” refers to unlikely or improbable chances of something happening.
Examples:
- It might be said that “there is a remote possibility of rain tomorrow,” meaning that while rain is possible, it is not expected.
- One might say, “An evolutionary origin for tick toxins shared with other toxic arthropods would thus seem to be a remote possibility”.
- In political contexts, it could be noted that “there is a remote possibility that there will be a general election before too long”.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Common synonyms for “remote possibility” include:
- Bare possibility
- Slim chance
- Outside chance
- Gambling chance