[brackets] in crossword clues

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Richard B.
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Joined: Sat May 16, 2020 1:58 pm
Location: upper west side, NYC

[brackets] in crossword clues

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Post by Richard B. »

Does anyone have a precise explanation of the significance of brackets around crossword clues? I have taken them to mean that the answer is a non-verbal sound or gesture. E.g. (from the NYT), [It’s cold!] gives BRR; [How boring] gives SNORE; [Testing testing] gives TAP TAP; and [Make it quick!] gives SNAP. However, some NYT clues seem to flip the concept: [Grrr!] gives IM SO MAD; and [Gulp!] gives OH NO.
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