Fess Up: The Inside Scoop on Solving This Tricky Crossword Clue

As a detective, I began by identifying the key elements of the crossword clue. ‘Fess’ is commonly known as a slang term for confess, while ‘up’ in this context could mean to admit or acknowledge. With this in mind, I considered possible words that would fit these criteria, such as confess, reveal, or own up. However, the word limit and surrounding letters suggested that a three-letter word was required.

At this point, I thought about the other meanings of the word ‘own’. In certain contexts, it could mean to admit or acknowledge responsibility or ownership. This interpretation seemed to fit the clue perfectly, as ‘fess (up)’ can be seen as a playful way to prompt someone to admit something that they may have been trying to keep hidden.

With this insight, I confidently answered ‘OWN’ as the solution to the crossword clue. The word ‘own’ fits both the definition of ‘fess up’ and the three-letter word requirement of the puzzle. As a detective, I pride myself on drawing connections between clues and meanings to solve mysteries in creative ways.