This phrase signifies a particular sort of clue present in crossword puzzles. It directs the solver to establish a coloration that’s typically related to an irregular, noticed, or mottled look. For example, a brindle coat on a canine or the uneven ripening of a fruit would possibly evoke such an outline, main solvers to solutions like “mottled,” “dappled,” or a particular coloration like “brindle” or “calico.”
These clues check a solver’s vocabulary and talent to affiliate visible descriptions with particular phrases. They bridge the hole between literal coloration descriptions and extra nuanced, evocative language, requiring solvers to suppose creatively and think about connotations. The sort of clue provides complexity and richness to crossword puzzles, difficult solvers past easy definitions and contributing to a extra participating and rewarding expertise.