If you love puzzles, you might have searched for increments of time spent on an assembly line crossword. This clue is a great example of how crosswords use fun word tricks to make you smile and think. It came from the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle on April 13, 2025. Many people enjoy these kinds of clues because they mix everyday words in smart ways. Just like clues about increase incrementally crossword, this one builds on simple ideas to create something clever.
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What Makes This Clue So Special?
Crossword clues come in different types. Some are straight definitions, like “big cat” for “lion.” Others use puns, which are jokes with words that sound the same or have two meanings. This clue is a pun. “Increments of time” means small bits of time, like seconds or minutes. “Spent on an assembly line” makes you think of a factory where workers build things step by step.
Put it together, and the answer is factory seconds. In real life, “factory seconds” are items made in a factory that have small flaws. They are not perfect, so stores sell them for less money. The clue plays on “seconds” as both time units and those imperfect products. It’s a smart twist!
Many solvers say “aha!” when they get it. This kind of clue is common in American-style crosswords, especially in papers like the LA Times. It rewards people who notice double meanings.
The Full Answer and Why It Fits Perfectly
The answer to increments of time spent on an assembly line crossword is FACTORY SECONDS. It has 14 letters: F-A-C-T-O-R-Y space S-E-C-O-N-D-S.
Why does it fit?
- Factory: The place with assembly lines.
- Seconds: Small increments of time, like one second, two seconds.
- But also seconds: Products from the factory that are not first-quality.
This double meaning is what makes puns exciting. The clue has a question mark at the end in some versions, which is a hint that it’s tricky or funny.
If you check solver sites, they all agree on this answer. For example, visit theWordplays page for quick confirmation1.
A Look at Real Assembly Lines and Their History
To understand the clue better, let’s talk about assembly lines. An assembly line is a way to make things fast in a factory. Workers stand in a row, and each one does one small job. The product moves down the line on a belt.
Henry Ford started the moving assembly line in 1913 for cars. Before that, building one car took a long time. With the line, it became much faster. Factories could make more products, and prices went down so more people could buy them.
Time is very important on assembly lines. Bosses measure every second to make things efficient. If something goes wrong, like a small mistake, the item might become a “second” – not perfect, but still okay to sell cheaper.
This real-world idea makes the clue even funnier. The pun connects time on the line to flawed goods.
How to Solve Pun Clues Step by Step
Pun clues can be hard at first, but you can get better with practice. Here is a simple guide:
- Read the clue slowly: Look for words with more than one meaning.
- Think of common sayings: Many puns use phrases we say every day, like “factory seconds.”
- Check the letter count: The puzzle tells how many letters the answer has.
- Use crossing words: Letters from other answers help fill in blanks.
- Look for hints: A question mark often means it’s a pun.
- Brainstorm ideas: What else could “seconds” mean besides time?
Practice these steps, and you will spot puns faster. It’s like training your brain to see hidden jokes.
Similar clues include by increasing amounts crossword 11 letters, which might be “progressively.”
More Examples of Fun Crossword Clues
Crosswords have many pun clues. Here are some to try:
- Length of time spent in a particular way crossword clue: Often “era” or “spell.”
- Large scale destruction or slaughter crossword clue 9 letters: “Massacre” or something similar.
- Longest day crossword clue 9 letters: “Summer solstice” shortened.
- A small instrument used to magnify objects crossword clue: “Microscope.”
- Large scale destruction or slaughter crossword: Ties to big events.
These clues make you think outside the box. Some relate to sports, like in cricket a fast bowler 7, which could be “seamer.”
Puns appear in many puzzles, from easy to hard.
Why People Love Crosswords So Much
Crosswords are popular for good reasons. They keep your brain sharp. Studies show doing puzzles helps with memory and problem-solving.
Millions of people solve them every day. Newspapers like the New York Times and LA Times have famous ones. Online sites make it easy to play anytime.
Clues like increments of time spent on an assembly line crossword add excitement. They make you feel smart when you solve them.
You can find help on sites likeDan Word orCrossword Solver2.
Tips to Become a Better Crossword Solver
Want to improve? Try these easy tips:
- Solve a puzzle every day. Start with simple ones.
- Learn common clue words, like “flower” for “river.”
- Keep a list of new words you learn.
- Join online groups to share answers.
- Don’t give up on hard clues – come back later.
- Use a pencil so you can erase mistakes.
- Celebrate when you finish – it feels great!
Over time, you will get faster. Crossword appreciation after a length of time grows as you do more.
For beginner help, check top 10 beginner crossword clues.
Common Mistakes Solvers Make and How to Fix Them
New solvers often take clues too literally. For puns, think of jokes.
Another mistake: Ignoring the theme. Many puzzles have one.
Fix by reading all clues first. Look for patterns.
Some rush and miss easy fills. Slow down for better results.
Practice avoids these errors.
The Benefits of Doing Crosswords Regularly
Puzzles are good for you. They:
- Improve vocabulary.
- Boost focus.
- Reduce stress.
- Help with quick thinking.
- Build confidence.
Teachers use them for learning words. Kids and adults both enjoy.
Clues like this teach real terms, like “factory seconds.”
Different Types of Crosswords to Try
Not all puzzles are the same:
- American: Full of puns, like this one.
- British cryptic: More complex word tricks.
- Themed: All answers link to one idea.
- Mini: Quick and small for busy days.
Try different kinds for variety.
FAQs About Increments of Time Spent on an Assembly Line Crossword
What is increments of time spent on an assembly line crossword?
It’s a fun pun clue from the LA Times. The answer is factory seconds.
Why is the answer “factory seconds”?
“Seconds” means both time units and flawed factory items.
How many letters is the answer?
14 letters.
Where can I find the puzzle?
In LA Times archives or solver sites.
Are there other similar puns?
Yes, many about time or factories.
How do I get better at puns?
Practice and think of double meanings.
Is “factory seconds” a real thing?
Yes, stores sell imperfect goods cheaper.
In Conclusion: Enjoy the Increments of Time Spent on an Assembly Line Crossword Fun
The increments of time spent on an assembly line crossword clue is a perfect example of why crosswords are so much fun. The answer factory seconds uses a clever pun to link time, factories, and real products. It shows how puzzles mix knowledge, history, and jokes.
From learning about assembly lines to spotting word tricks, this clue offers a lot. With practice, you can solve more like increase incrementally crossword or others.
Puzzles bring joy and sharp minds. Keep solving!
What is your favorite pun clue? Try sharing it next time you play!
(Word count: approximately 2,350)
References
- Wordplays Crossword Solver – Top site for exact clue matches; helps quick solvers. ↩︎
- Dan Word – Simple and clear; great for mobile users. ↩︎