An in depth contest, usually in a race or competitors, the place the end result is so tight it requires picture evaluation (historically {a photograph}, therefore the time period “photograph end”) to find out the victor is a typical theme in crossword puzzles. Clues may allude to a slender margin of victory, an in depth name, or the expertise used to adjudicate such an in depth end result. An instance could be a clue like “Neck-and-neck race consequence” with the reply being “PHOTOFINISH”.
The idea’s inclusion in crossword puzzles provides a number of advantages. It expands solvers’ vocabulary, introduces them to particular terminology related to shut competitions, and may even contact upon historic contexts, such because the evolution of timekeeping expertise in sports activities. Moreover, the inherent drama of an in depth end offers a vivid and fascinating psychological picture, enriching the puzzle-solving expertise. One of these clue rewards lateral pondering and data throughout a number of domains.